Some of the titles have been added by the editor [Abraham] for headings. David is a dear friend of mine.
Thoughts on The War between my Flesh and my Spirit
Rom 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." I have only one enemy in this life: My flesh. This flesh hates God. It has no desire for the Perfection of Beauty. It looks at the cross with contempt and would that God were not. It wants its own and will kill, steal, and destroy to obtain. It is a slave to corrupt passions and desires so to be. It knows not God and is content as such. It will not obey the truth of the gospel, but rather enjoys unrighteousness and sin. It would rather suffer in the torments of eternal hell than to submit to Christ as Sovereign Lord, bowing in honor and fear to Him, even for a moment. There is no good thing in my flesh. It wages war against the Spirit that God has graciously put within me, and is capable of doing the worst acts of sin any human has ever committed in order to destroy this Spirit. It never will. My flesh will not believe this though. It refuses God’s Word and is not subject to it. It is God’s enemy as it is mine. Through Christ I can be separated from myself, yea, I already have been. I can hate with righteous anger that which if it could, would crucify Christ forever and never be tired of causing Him sufferings. But praise be to God, for grace has given me freedom from this filthy heaven-hater. He has delivered me from the bondage of sin and death. O my soul, look unto your mediator! He ever lives to intercede on your behalf! He will not forsake you utterly, nor leave you to be ever wounded by this selfish carnality that temporarily abides within you. He is your victory and has overcome this perversion of nature. O thou flesh! You are and have nothing! You are despicable and I indeed rejoice with my God in your death. Thank you precious Father for yielding your sword and crucifying this flesh in your Son at Calvary! Thank you for raising Christ from the dead and thus raising me to newness of life in Him! Thank you.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Accepted in the Beloved
If propitiation has occurred by virtue of the cross of Christ in any real sense, and yet God withholds from lovingly justifying his elect, he becomes unjust; for where there is no actual love there must be actual hatred. If this actual hatred has been removed, yet actual love is withheld, the entire meaning of propitiation is thrown out the window. To say that God loves those who are not counted as righteous is to charge God with unrighteousness. God hates sin and wickedness. Prov. 17:15. Gods love cannot be divorced from righteousness. If we were ungodly when he justified us, which is true, then it must be that he was not looking at us when he shows love, but rather, he was looking at Christ, with whom we are in union. He can only love the ungodly if they are accepted in the Beloved. Unless we are to believe that he was only a potential wrath remover; a possible propitiation. Far be that from truth! Note: the non-imputation of sin is the imputation of righteousness, see Rom. 4.
Crucified with Christ and Justification by Faith To be crucified with Christ means that I (in him) suffered the fierce wrath of God that my sin deserved. Justice is satisfied when the crime is paid for. When I died with Christ (in Him), God's just anger and hatred of me and my sin was appeased; God could not be angry anymore towards me because everything I deserved I got (in Him). This is the essence of substituonary atonement. Christ was my substitute. If the Judge continues beyond the atonement (where I suffered with Christ; in him) to have real hatred and wrath towards me, even though everything that justice required was met, he violates and goes far beyond his holy, perfect, pure, and upright nature as a just judge, and becomes corrupt. The law demands nothing further than what my violation of it deserves. Why do I say this; what is my point? It is this: Justification, in the Judges' and in the laws' perspective, must exist before any of Gods people believe, that is, before any of the elect of God have faith, because the law has already been satisfied.
Propitiation (the act of wrath being removed) has already occurred, for Christ has already died. Before I was born (and born again) I already suffered the wrath of God (in Him) and thus as far as the Judge and His Law are concerned, I, before I was born, was considered righteous, for my Substitute already took my place and suffered what I deserved. How does this understanding of biblical justice and justification correspond with the "justification by faith" the bible so often speaks about, you ask? It is abundantly clear! Faith is that spiritual gift of God whereby He assures us that we have a strong hope and consolation in Christ, our righteousness. Faith is a receiver, like an ear. Thus, the scriptures speak of the "hearing of faith".
Justification by faith is not referring to justification wherein the Judge and His Law confess me as righteous because I have faith, but rather wherein I in my spirit and conscience, receive the confession of righteousness the Judge and His Law have already made concerning me (via the fact that Christ already died for me). Regeneration does not cause justification in the eyes of the Judge and the Law, but rather regeneration causes the receiving of justification (faith) in the eyes of the conscience, the place where the soul is set free from the actual prison bars and tastes and sees of His righteous standing before God because of what Christ already accomplished and my behalf. If you get a letter from the bank stating that the debts you owed had been paid for months ago and you didn't know it, once you receive the letter, that doesn't suddenly make you debt free. You already were debt free the moment the bank received just reasons for clearing your debt (by some form of payment). Just because you opened the letter and believed what they were saying does not create the grounds for their clearing of your debt. Justification by faith is freedom in the spirit and conscience of the child of God who is given "the evidence of things hoped for".
To not believe that the elect are actually justified in the eyes of the Judge and the Law before they receive the good news (faith), is to undermine both the justice of the Judge and His Law, and the substitutionary and vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ for His chosen people, and it is to make the receiving of the good news (faith) the reason why the bank has cleared the debt, rather than actual payment. Faith plays a role in justification, just not in causing it. Rather, it receives the truth of actual and previously wrought out freedom (in Him). Amen.
Should we preach alongside those who teach the Arminian position
The gospel message itself is not "believe and be saved". It's true those "who believe are justified from all things", but the gospel itself is the truth of the cross, resurrection, intercession, etc, of Christ. If we base our fellowship on the fact that someone gives a gospel call consider that even Mormons can quote Rom. 10:9. The reason I can never preach alongside an Arminian is because they preach another gospel; specifically regarding the atonement of Christ. Arminians believe Jesus died for me just as much as he died for all men in hell. When they tell the lost to believe on Jesus they typically don't say it like this per say, but it is what they really mean. They believe Christ did all things equally for all men; as much for themselves as for those who perish. Thus, the only difference between them and those in hell is their will. They believe that their will made them to differ, not the grace of God.
Secondarily, they do not believe substitutionary atonement. They redefine it to mean not that Jesus took my place but rather that he took sin's place. By "sin" they mean not any man's specific sins, but rather all mankind's sin. When asked what they mean, the typical response is to quote verses about how Jesus died for sin. But this never actually answers the question because whatever they interpret them as meaning, they don't mean that men are actually and really justified by such an atonement. It is as though he died for the 'concept' of sin, but not my literal sins. But God will throw me into hell and not the concept of sin, if no just reason for pardoning me is found. Essentially they use all the same arguments as a universalist, but unlike the universalists, they deny that all men will be saved. They preach another atonement than the bible. One that makes salvation possible if man makes, through his will, himself to differ from those who finally perish. They are telling men to trust on a saviour who failed to save those for whom he died to save. They tell the lost to believe on one who cannot save unless they will him to. They proclaim a gospel that didn't accomplish salvation for those who are in hell, though God did everything he could possibly do to redeem them.
Imagine being a convicted sinner hearing a message like that. You know the horridness of your sin; you have tasted of your inability to please a righteous and holy God, and then you are told to put your hope in the very thing that couldn't save many for whom it was intended to save. This would be a message of despair. What confidence would it give you to know that Christ did everything for others as much for you, and for others it didn't work? It is not a message that will "purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." It is a message that would cause a lost person to place confidence and hope in their will, not in God's will alone. The true gospel brings hope because it lies outside of our "willing or running". God justified me when I was unwilling and ungodly. This alone shows both the efficacy and definite nature of the work of Calvary, and that God's non-condemnation (justification) of me is outside of anything in me (my will). This is exactly what the true Arminian denies. They deny the biblical gospel.
Ultimately, we must be careful not to confuse the call of the gospel with the gospel itself. The gospel call it purposed and designed to direct those who have been struck through by the arrow of God's law to find confidence and assurance in the One who took upon Himself their personal judgment and punishment. The call directs to the gospel. The Arminians, however, view the gospel not as a gift but rather an offer. They believe God offers the possibility of salvation to everyone, but actually grants salvation to no one. The true gospel, however, is a gift not an offer. I could never preach with an Arminian because I could not preach a limited, definite atonement and be in unity and harmony with them. I could not preach a sure and victorious atonement without feeling as though I were preaching to them and not only to the lost.
The One Cause of Reconciliation and Propitiation
"If the means to reconciliation is the atonement and thus propitiation is defined as the end result of Christ's life and death, then it must follow that propitiation has already occurred for those for whom Christ died, because He already died. If the cause of propitiation has already occurred then the effect of the cause has occurred; unless by some strange logic the effect is not caused by the cause...I mean seriously, if a cause (the atonement) is the only reason for the effect (sins being propitiated) then tell me how it is that if Christ died for all mankind universally, that He still has wrath for any? Does not propitiation remove the wrath (condemnation) of God against sin? I assert that if Christ died for all then the Father has no anger towards any and hell is empty of men. You will answer by stating that this cannot be because men have to receive the propitiation before it can be applied to their account. But consider how this makes there to be two causes for propitiation. One is the blood of Christ; the other is the belief of man. This cannot be because the Scriptures state only one cause for reconciliation; for example in Is. 53, "By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." Where justification has occurred, propitiation has occurred and vise versa. Both have occurred none the less before any man believed, for Christ took them upon himself from eternity in redemptive covenant, and bore them in time upon his frame at the cross. Christ died for those for whom he said he died for, and the wrath of God has been removed (propitiation) for all those for whom Christ died.
John 10:14-15, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Justification from Eternity
...Legal justification has already been declared in the mind and heart of God before the world began, through redemptive covenant among the Godhead, and in eternity God loved us with an everlasting love, having chosen us in him before the foundations of the world, for in the mind and heart of God Christ was slain before the world began. This means that we were accepted in the beloved and in the mind and heart of God, our sins were not imputed to us, specifically to our account, which can and does exist in the eternal mind and heart of God before our actual persons do. In time when faith is given to us we recieve the love of God which is shed abroad into our hearts wherby we cry abba father. Justification through faith is justification in the mind and heart of the believer who is recieving a saviour who already died for them, who already loved them, who already propitiated the wrath of God against their sinful nature, and who already was sitting at the right hand of God interceeding for them, all before they believed. Faith does not change or create history, but recieves it.
To be crucified with Christ means that I (in him) suffered the fierce wrath of God that my sin deserved. Justice is satisfied when the crime is paid for. When I died with Christ (in Him), God's just anger and hatred of me and my sin was appeased; God could not be angry anymore towards me because everything I deserved I got (in Him). This is the essence of substituonary atonement. Christ was my substitute.
If the Judge continues beyond the atonement (where I suffered with Christ; in him) to have real hatred and wrath towards me, even though everything that justice required was met, he violates and goes far beyond his holy, perfect, pure, and upright nature as a just judge, and becomes corrupt. The law demands nothing further than what my violation of it deserves. Justification, in the Judges' and in the laws' perspective, must exist before any of Gods people believe, that is, before any of the elect of God have faith, because the law has already been satisfied before they had faith. Propitiation (the act of wrath being removed) has already occured, for Christ has already died. Before I was born (and born again) I already suffered the wrath of God (in Him) and thus as far as the Judge and His Law are concerned, I, before I was born, was considered righteous in my account, for my Substitute already took my place and suffered what I deserved.
Faith is that spiritual gift of God whereby He assures us that we have a strong hope and consolation in Christ, our righteousness. Faith is a reciever, like an ear. Thus, the scriptures speak of the "hearing of faith". Justification by faith is not refering to justification wherin the Judge and His Law confess me as righteous on the condition of my will and faith, but rather wherein I in my spirit and conscience, recieve the confession of righteousness the Judge and His Law have already made concerning me (via the fact that Christ already died for me; the law was already satisfied for me by him). Regeneration does not cause justification in my account, in the eyes of the God the Judge and His Law, but rather regeneration causes the recieving of justification (faith) in the eyes of the conscience, the place where the soul is set free from the prison bars of the flesh, and tastes and sees of His righteous standing before God because of what Christ already accomplished on my behalf.
If you get a letter from the bank stating that the debts you owed had been paid for months ago and you didn't know it, once you recieve the letter, that doesn't suddenly make you debt free. You already were debt free the moment the bank recieved just reasons for clearing your debt (by some form of payment). Just because you opened the letter and believed what they were saying does not create the grounds for their clearing of your debt. Justification by faith is freedom in the spirit and conscience of the child of God who is given "the evidence of things hoped for".
To not believe that the elect are actually justified in the eyes of the Judge and the Law before they recieve the good news (faith), is to undermine both the justice of the Judge and His Law, and the substitutionary and vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ for His chosen people, and it is to make the recieving of the good news (faith) the reason why the bank has cleared the debt, rather than actual payment. Faith plays a role in justification, just not in causing it. Rather, it recieves the truth of actual and previously wrought out freedom (in Him).
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
The Instrument of Faith
God gives his believing ones "the assurance of things not seen", for that is what their very faith is confident assurance.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Faith that places confidence in itself will not stand at the judgment. Faith must lay hold of Christ, for it is the very "evidence of things hoped for", and that thing hoped in is Christ himself. Faith that lays hold on itself is suicidal faith. The only confident ground of justification is the death, resurrection, and intercession of Jesus, not in my faith. Notice Paul agrees for he gives us the reason why none can lay a charge to the elect (and it is not because they believe, but rather because Christ died):
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
The hope of a Definite Atonement
...A limited atonement is important because it is a definite atonement. The only other option is an atonement that doesn't actually propitiate sins. That means either the atonement of Jesus Christ actually removed the wrath of God for all those for whom He died (i.e. the elect), and thus God currently is not wrathful towards them (even who are not yet converted and born again; whom God will bring; future tense: "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Joh 10:16) , or the atonement didn't actually propitiate the wrath of God towards those for whom Christ died, and thus they are all currently under the condemnation of the Law.
This is the most important doctrine in the universe and is the only ground of hope for the guilty sinner, and the converted saint. It is that by which men are actually saved and it is that by which the bible beckons all God's sheep to put their hope in; for "He laid his life down for the sheep". It affects my walk because there is nothing else for me to stand on other than an atonement that actually bore my sins, unlike one that only potentially bore my sins, conditioned on something I will or something I do. Which atonement do you believe in? Do you believe that God has done all things equally for all men? If so, what makes you to differ from those who in the end actually perish, if God did all things equally for all men universally? Do you believe in the end it will have been your will that makes you to differ from those in hell?
What is preaching?
Preaching is a declaration of something. When we "preach" the gospel, we are declaring the gospel. The gospel is a historical fact that Christ actually "redeemed us [his chosen people] from the curse of the law being made a curse.
That means in God's heavenly courtroom the verdict has already been settled, for Christ has already died. God (the Judge) is no longer wrathful towards those for whom Christ died because Christ fulfilled the demands of the law on their behalf (substitutionary atonement). The court has been adjourned, for the verdict has been found.
You were not physically in the courtroom, but your Surety was there, on your behalf, bleeding and crucified. Preaching the gospel is like going back to the prison yard where sinners are bound in chains of hopelessness and despair, and declaring to them the events of the courtroom. God the Spirit, not the preacher, bears witness with his sheep's spirits (who are not all the prisoners, but who are among them), and validates that the occurrences of the courtroom are true and that they themselves were represented there that day by Christ crucified.
The job of the preacher is not to play the role of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ), but rather to declare glad tidings (Act 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,), of good things (1Jn 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.), which as God lives is for all those for whom Christ died: Heb 6:16-20 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,".
Man’s inability to do good and his duty to obey the Law
And we need to remember that those who truly hold to free will define it as an "A-moral" will; that is, a will that is like a clean slate, with no bias or bent or crooked desires. Essentially this is a direct denial that mankind fell in the fall of Adam as the Scriptures teach; which is why you have many of the Pelagians denying the doctrine Original Sin.
Since the fall of mankind into sin, however, the will of man has been defiled and corrupted. But remember, just because man lost his will to obey God in the fall, doesn't mean that God lost his authority to command men to obey him in the fall. Man fell in the fall, not God. For some strange reason so many people get caught up in this. They think it just is not fair for God to command men to obey him, when man doesn't possess the will to obey him. But consider the justice of God towards those in hell. They do not possess the ability to obey God, yet God doesn't set aside his law against them. No, the neglected duties of the law torment their consciences day and night, for God is the Lord, He changes not; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; immutable in all his eternal purposes, even in the midst of the fall of mankind in Adam. The duties of the law bind every soul irrespective of their moral condition. Thus, if God had not sent the gospel to redeem some from among men, (praise Him for doing so!!) none would ever be saved, and there would never for all eternity be a righteous echo from the perished of "Injustice!!", for God is the Righteous Judge, and will by no means clear the guilty.
Hebrews 4:10 - Entering into his rest
Hebrews 4:10 "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Before a soul is tucked into the bed of rest by the Lord Jesus, wherein he finds a strong consolation of habitual peace andcomfort as he ceases from the cursing of trusting in man and making flesh his right arm, he must first be made awake by the terrors of the law out of his former resting. This ordeal is the fit means the Lord has ordained to bring his elect children out from under the deceptive sheets of self righteousness which are as a filthy garment which spots the flesh with worldly comforts. As the lord awakens them into a state of weariness and restlessness they hear the gospel of their salvation from the lips of the crucified One and are beckoned to come to him and he will give them rest. As the spirit enables, they find themselves entering into his rest and ceasing from their own works for justification into the comforts of blessed tranquility and the assuring love of God in Christ their Hope.
The gifts of family toward a weak and frail soul
Lord, thank you for my family. Thank you for my wife and thank you for my children. I joy in your abundant blessings and timeless gifts of love I have experienced through them. I see your sweet lovingkindnesses in pouring over me moments of sober affection that we all share together underneath your gentle care. I know this life is a solo moment, standing alone as a monument to your creative glory, yet is full of solo moments, each revealing to this heart your mercy and great love, teaching me the value of Now. Lord, it is difficult not to respond to these seasons without the feeling of unsatisfaction... Not with You, but with my mortality. It is a plague that strikes fear into this carnality, yet seems to weaken and dissipate as Your indwelling Presence puts to death the deeds of the flesh. When I rest in your Works towards me, your promises of future and present grace, I am comforted and feel the breath of content beside me. These fleeting moments are then best resolved with the only suitable and God-centered direction my heart may cleave to, namely, thankfulness and joy. May you teach my heart to set it's affections on things above in this manner, dear Lord. When the desires of my Spirit are in union with Yours, I will not fear the tide of time as it sweeps away my daughters kisses, but will say to my soul, "hope thou in God." Depart from me corruptible worries and earthly tears, and may these eyes spring forth joy in God as they worship the Creator for these drops of heavenly affection in the gifts of family toward a weak and frail soul.
"...who maketh thee to differ from another?"
1 Cor. 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
You can find out really quickly where someone's understanding lies by asking them the simple question of what makes them to differ from someone who perishes in hell. If they say something other than the grace of God, like the difference lies in the decisions I made compared to the decisions they who perish made, they must understand that their hope cannot possible be in Christ alone. Grace compels us to grasp and look only to the mercy of Christ alone, not on our 'willpower'. The carnal mind cannot view the blood and righteousness of Christ as sufficient alone to pluck sinners from the fiery brand, but would rather perish under the torments of eternal damnation than to freely receive gifts of love and salvation from the Lord. This is why those who receive Him, do so from a quickened vantage point; that is, they see Him not as blind men, but as seeing; not as deaf men, but as hearing. God first makes us alive that we may freely live with Him. This is also why God does not come to offer the carnal man anything, but comes to release such a man from his carnality. He delivers His sheep from the enslavements of both their fleshly passions and their lack of hope. But woe unto those who justify themselves with 'will-worship' and false flatteries to the law. Their reward will not be long delayed, for they shall see the King from on High with Justice in His right hand.
This question you might ask them is especially eye opening for someone who believes in a universal atonement. This is because if they believe that Jesus died just as much for them as for those who perish, what makes them to differ from others who perish? Can it possibly be the grace of God in Christ's atonement alone? or must something else be done. If something else must be done to not go to hell, as they may believe many for whom Christ died do, then it must be true that the saving blood and righteousness of Christ is not after all the thing that actually makes the difference. Just that thought alone makes me want to throw up. It is sickening to my soul to place confidence and hope in anything outside of Christ and His eternal works alone! How is that possibly comforting to a weary and heavy laden soul who is thirsting for righteousness and longs for words of hope and comfort; one who's soul is bleeding from law wounds inside? It is a nightmare to suggest to such a person that they must not receive assurance, joy, and hope that Christ is everything they need for eternal redemption; but that they need to do something more than Calvary or they will perish like the rest of the sinners for whom Christ died as a legal substitute. It is cancerous.
What does it mean to abide in Christ?
In verse 4 of that Chapter Christ says " Abide in me, and I in you". The image is that of unity and oneness. Everything we have in this Christian life is a direct result of the "one flesh" relationship that we have with Him. This is true with our justification; Rom.4:10 " For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." and of our sanctification; Rom. 7:4 "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."
Consider our unity with Him. So much so we are called His "Body" or His "Members": 1 Cor. 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Notice that we are partakers of the divine nature (Christ in you the hope of Glory) through knowing Him, whereby He gives to us infallible promises of grace to overcome this world: 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Being a partaker of the divine nature is to abide in Christ, as I understand.
Thank you Lord that you give us comfort in the Scripture and that your Spirit assures to our hearts those "exceeding great and precious promises". Without these imparted to us in a "knowing" relationship with you we would wither and dry up and be cast out as those who bear fruit unto damnation do. Praise Your name for delivering us from the power of darkness and translating us into the kingdom of your dear Son. Please cause your sheep children who are restless, to be partakers of the divine nature and strongly hope in Your eternal Works done for them, enabling their souls to joy in you in truth as that builder and framer who is God alone. And as for those who we encounter that are Yours from before the foundation of the world, but who are yet resting not in You, but in their beds of 'self-trusting'; rip off their sheets of self righteousness and put them by Your law into a weary and heavy laden condition, that they may be able to receive rest from Christ alone, through Your Spirit, by Your gospel alone. Cast away from us all doubt that you are our shelter and refuge and banner, and be to our daily lives light, to bring sight and understanding as we learn to live in You as You live in us.
Thoughts on The War between my Flesh and my Spirit
Rom 7:18 "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." I have only one enemy in this life: My flesh. This flesh hates God. It has no desire for the Perfection of Beauty. It looks at the cross with contempt and would that God were not. It wants its own and will kill, steal, and destroy to obtain. It is a slave to corrupt passions and desires so to be. It knows not God and is content as such. It will not obey the truth of the gospel, but rather enjoys unrighteousness and sin. It would rather suffer in the torments of eternal hell than to submit to Christ as Sovereign Lord, bowing in honor and fear to Him, even for a moment. There is no good thing in my flesh. It wages war against the Spirit that God has graciously put within me, and is capable of doing the worst acts of sin any human has ever committed in order to destroy this Spirit. It never will. My flesh will not believe this though. It refuses God’s Word and is not subject to it. It is God’s enemy as it is mine. Through Christ I can be separated from myself, yea, I already have been. I can hate with righteous anger that which if it could, would crucify Christ forever and never be tired of causing Him sufferings. But praise be to God, for grace has given me freedom from this filthy heaven-hater. He has delivered me from the bondage of sin and death. O my soul, look unto your mediator! He ever lives to intercede on your behalf! He will not forsake you utterly, nor leave you to be ever wounded by this selfish carnality that temporarily abides within you. He is your victory and has overcome this perversion of nature. O thou flesh! You are and have nothing! You are despicable and I indeed rejoice with my God in your death. Thank you precious Father for yielding your sword and crucifying this flesh in your Son at Calvary! Thank you for raising Christ from the dead and thus raising me to newness of life in Him! Thank you.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Accepted in the Beloved
If propitiation has occurred by virtue of the cross of Christ in any real sense, and yet God withholds from lovingly justifying his elect, he becomes unjust; for where there is no actual love there must be actual hatred. If this actual hatred has been removed, yet actual love is withheld, the entire meaning of propitiation is thrown out the window. To say that God loves those who are not counted as righteous is to charge God with unrighteousness. God hates sin and wickedness. Prov. 17:15. Gods love cannot be divorced from righteousness. If we were ungodly when he justified us, which is true, then it must be that he was not looking at us when he shows love, but rather, he was looking at Christ, with whom we are in union. He can only love the ungodly if they are accepted in the Beloved. Unless we are to believe that he was only a potential wrath remover; a possible propitiation. Far be that from truth! Note: the non-imputation of sin is the imputation of righteousness, see Rom. 4.
Crucified with Christ and Justification by Faith To be crucified with Christ means that I (in him) suffered the fierce wrath of God that my sin deserved. Justice is satisfied when the crime is paid for. When I died with Christ (in Him), God's just anger and hatred of me and my sin was appeased; God could not be angry anymore towards me because everything I deserved I got (in Him). This is the essence of substituonary atonement. Christ was my substitute. If the Judge continues beyond the atonement (where I suffered with Christ; in him) to have real hatred and wrath towards me, even though everything that justice required was met, he violates and goes far beyond his holy, perfect, pure, and upright nature as a just judge, and becomes corrupt. The law demands nothing further than what my violation of it deserves. Why do I say this; what is my point? It is this: Justification, in the Judges' and in the laws' perspective, must exist before any of Gods people believe, that is, before any of the elect of God have faith, because the law has already been satisfied.
Propitiation (the act of wrath being removed) has already occurred, for Christ has already died. Before I was born (and born again) I already suffered the wrath of God (in Him) and thus as far as the Judge and His Law are concerned, I, before I was born, was considered righteous, for my Substitute already took my place and suffered what I deserved. How does this understanding of biblical justice and justification correspond with the "justification by faith" the bible so often speaks about, you ask? It is abundantly clear! Faith is that spiritual gift of God whereby He assures us that we have a strong hope and consolation in Christ, our righteousness. Faith is a receiver, like an ear. Thus, the scriptures speak of the "hearing of faith".
Justification by faith is not referring to justification wherein the Judge and His Law confess me as righteous because I have faith, but rather wherein I in my spirit and conscience, receive the confession of righteousness the Judge and His Law have already made concerning me (via the fact that Christ already died for me). Regeneration does not cause justification in the eyes of the Judge and the Law, but rather regeneration causes the receiving of justification (faith) in the eyes of the conscience, the place where the soul is set free from the actual prison bars and tastes and sees of His righteous standing before God because of what Christ already accomplished and my behalf. If you get a letter from the bank stating that the debts you owed had been paid for months ago and you didn't know it, once you receive the letter, that doesn't suddenly make you debt free. You already were debt free the moment the bank received just reasons for clearing your debt (by some form of payment). Just because you opened the letter and believed what they were saying does not create the grounds for their clearing of your debt. Justification by faith is freedom in the spirit and conscience of the child of God who is given "the evidence of things hoped for".
To not believe that the elect are actually justified in the eyes of the Judge and the Law before they receive the good news (faith), is to undermine both the justice of the Judge and His Law, and the substitutionary and vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ for His chosen people, and it is to make the receiving of the good news (faith) the reason why the bank has cleared the debt, rather than actual payment. Faith plays a role in justification, just not in causing it. Rather, it receives the truth of actual and previously wrought out freedom (in Him). Amen.
Should we preach alongside those who teach the Arminian position
The gospel message itself is not "believe and be saved". It's true those "who believe are justified from all things", but the gospel itself is the truth of the cross, resurrection, intercession, etc, of Christ. If we base our fellowship on the fact that someone gives a gospel call consider that even Mormons can quote Rom. 10:9. The reason I can never preach alongside an Arminian is because they preach another gospel; specifically regarding the atonement of Christ. Arminians believe Jesus died for me just as much as he died for all men in hell. When they tell the lost to believe on Jesus they typically don't say it like this per say, but it is what they really mean. They believe Christ did all things equally for all men; as much for themselves as for those who perish. Thus, the only difference between them and those in hell is their will. They believe that their will made them to differ, not the grace of God.
Secondarily, they do not believe substitutionary atonement. They redefine it to mean not that Jesus took my place but rather that he took sin's place. By "sin" they mean not any man's specific sins, but rather all mankind's sin. When asked what they mean, the typical response is to quote verses about how Jesus died for sin. But this never actually answers the question because whatever they interpret them as meaning, they don't mean that men are actually and really justified by such an atonement. It is as though he died for the 'concept' of sin, but not my literal sins. But God will throw me into hell and not the concept of sin, if no just reason for pardoning me is found. Essentially they use all the same arguments as a universalist, but unlike the universalists, they deny that all men will be saved. They preach another atonement than the bible. One that makes salvation possible if man makes, through his will, himself to differ from those who finally perish. They are telling men to trust on a saviour who failed to save those for whom he died to save. They tell the lost to believe on one who cannot save unless they will him to. They proclaim a gospel that didn't accomplish salvation for those who are in hell, though God did everything he could possibly do to redeem them.
Imagine being a convicted sinner hearing a message like that. You know the horridness of your sin; you have tasted of your inability to please a righteous and holy God, and then you are told to put your hope in the very thing that couldn't save many for whom it was intended to save. This would be a message of despair. What confidence would it give you to know that Christ did everything for others as much for you, and for others it didn't work? It is not a message that will "purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." It is a message that would cause a lost person to place confidence and hope in their will, not in God's will alone. The true gospel brings hope because it lies outside of our "willing or running". God justified me when I was unwilling and ungodly. This alone shows both the efficacy and definite nature of the work of Calvary, and that God's non-condemnation (justification) of me is outside of anything in me (my will). This is exactly what the true Arminian denies. They deny the biblical gospel.
Ultimately, we must be careful not to confuse the call of the gospel with the gospel itself. The gospel call it purposed and designed to direct those who have been struck through by the arrow of God's law to find confidence and assurance in the One who took upon Himself their personal judgment and punishment. The call directs to the gospel. The Arminians, however, view the gospel not as a gift but rather an offer. They believe God offers the possibility of salvation to everyone, but actually grants salvation to no one. The true gospel, however, is a gift not an offer. I could never preach with an Arminian because I could not preach a limited, definite atonement and be in unity and harmony with them. I could not preach a sure and victorious atonement without feeling as though I were preaching to them and not only to the lost.
The One Cause of Reconciliation and Propitiation
"If the means to reconciliation is the atonement and thus propitiation is defined as the end result of Christ's life and death, then it must follow that propitiation has already occurred for those for whom Christ died, because He already died. If the cause of propitiation has already occurred then the effect of the cause has occurred; unless by some strange logic the effect is not caused by the cause...I mean seriously, if a cause (the atonement) is the only reason for the effect (sins being propitiated) then tell me how it is that if Christ died for all mankind universally, that He still has wrath for any? Does not propitiation remove the wrath (condemnation) of God against sin? I assert that if Christ died for all then the Father has no anger towards any and hell is empty of men. You will answer by stating that this cannot be because men have to receive the propitiation before it can be applied to their account. But consider how this makes there to be two causes for propitiation. One is the blood of Christ; the other is the belief of man. This cannot be because the Scriptures state only one cause for reconciliation; for example in Is. 53, "By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." Where justification has occurred, propitiation has occurred and vise versa. Both have occurred none the less before any man believed, for Christ took them upon himself from eternity in redemptive covenant, and bore them in time upon his frame at the cross. Christ died for those for whom he said he died for, and the wrath of God has been removed (propitiation) for all those for whom Christ died.
John 10:14-15, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Justification from Eternity
...Legal justification has already been declared in the mind and heart of God before the world began, through redemptive covenant among the Godhead, and in eternity God loved us with an everlasting love, having chosen us in him before the foundations of the world, for in the mind and heart of God Christ was slain before the world began. This means that we were accepted in the beloved and in the mind and heart of God, our sins were not imputed to us, specifically to our account, which can and does exist in the eternal mind and heart of God before our actual persons do. In time when faith is given to us we recieve the love of God which is shed abroad into our hearts wherby we cry abba father. Justification through faith is justification in the mind and heart of the believer who is recieving a saviour who already died for them, who already loved them, who already propitiated the wrath of God against their sinful nature, and who already was sitting at the right hand of God interceeding for them, all before they believed. Faith does not change or create history, but recieves it.
To be crucified with Christ means that I (in him) suffered the fierce wrath of God that my sin deserved. Justice is satisfied when the crime is paid for. When I died with Christ (in Him), God's just anger and hatred of me and my sin was appeased; God could not be angry anymore towards me because everything I deserved I got (in Him). This is the essence of substituonary atonement. Christ was my substitute.
If the Judge continues beyond the atonement (where I suffered with Christ; in him) to have real hatred and wrath towards me, even though everything that justice required was met, he violates and goes far beyond his holy, perfect, pure, and upright nature as a just judge, and becomes corrupt. The law demands nothing further than what my violation of it deserves. Justification, in the Judges' and in the laws' perspective, must exist before any of Gods people believe, that is, before any of the elect of God have faith, because the law has already been satisfied before they had faith. Propitiation (the act of wrath being removed) has already occured, for Christ has already died. Before I was born (and born again) I already suffered the wrath of God (in Him) and thus as far as the Judge and His Law are concerned, I, before I was born, was considered righteous in my account, for my Substitute already took my place and suffered what I deserved.
Faith is that spiritual gift of God whereby He assures us that we have a strong hope and consolation in Christ, our righteousness. Faith is a reciever, like an ear. Thus, the scriptures speak of the "hearing of faith". Justification by faith is not refering to justification wherin the Judge and His Law confess me as righteous on the condition of my will and faith, but rather wherein I in my spirit and conscience, recieve the confession of righteousness the Judge and His Law have already made concerning me (via the fact that Christ already died for me; the law was already satisfied for me by him). Regeneration does not cause justification in my account, in the eyes of the God the Judge and His Law, but rather regeneration causes the recieving of justification (faith) in the eyes of the conscience, the place where the soul is set free from the prison bars of the flesh, and tastes and sees of His righteous standing before God because of what Christ already accomplished on my behalf.
If you get a letter from the bank stating that the debts you owed had been paid for months ago and you didn't know it, once you recieve the letter, that doesn't suddenly make you debt free. You already were debt free the moment the bank recieved just reasons for clearing your debt (by some form of payment). Just because you opened the letter and believed what they were saying does not create the grounds for their clearing of your debt. Justification by faith is freedom in the spirit and conscience of the child of God who is given "the evidence of things hoped for".
To not believe that the elect are actually justified in the eyes of the Judge and the Law before they recieve the good news (faith), is to undermine both the justice of the Judge and His Law, and the substitutionary and vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ for His chosen people, and it is to make the recieving of the good news (faith) the reason why the bank has cleared the debt, rather than actual payment. Faith plays a role in justification, just not in causing it. Rather, it recieves the truth of actual and previously wrought out freedom (in Him).
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
The Instrument of Faith
God gives his believing ones "the assurance of things not seen", for that is what their very faith is confident assurance.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Faith that places confidence in itself will not stand at the judgment. Faith must lay hold of Christ, for it is the very "evidence of things hoped for", and that thing hoped in is Christ himself. Faith that lays hold on itself is suicidal faith. The only confident ground of justification is the death, resurrection, and intercession of Jesus, not in my faith. Notice Paul agrees for he gives us the reason why none can lay a charge to the elect (and it is not because they believe, but rather because Christ died):
Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
The hope of a Definite Atonement
...A limited atonement is important because it is a definite atonement. The only other option is an atonement that doesn't actually propitiate sins. That means either the atonement of Jesus Christ actually removed the wrath of God for all those for whom He died (i.e. the elect), and thus God currently is not wrathful towards them (even who are not yet converted and born again; whom God will bring; future tense: "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Joh 10:16) , or the atonement didn't actually propitiate the wrath of God towards those for whom Christ died, and thus they are all currently under the condemnation of the Law.
This is the most important doctrine in the universe and is the only ground of hope for the guilty sinner, and the converted saint. It is that by which men are actually saved and it is that by which the bible beckons all God's sheep to put their hope in; for "He laid his life down for the sheep". It affects my walk because there is nothing else for me to stand on other than an atonement that actually bore my sins, unlike one that only potentially bore my sins, conditioned on something I will or something I do. Which atonement do you believe in? Do you believe that God has done all things equally for all men? If so, what makes you to differ from those who in the end actually perish, if God did all things equally for all men universally? Do you believe in the end it will have been your will that makes you to differ from those in hell?
What is preaching?
Preaching is a declaration of something. When we "preach" the gospel, we are declaring the gospel. The gospel is a historical fact that Christ actually "redeemed us [his chosen people] from the curse of the law being made a curse.
That means in God's heavenly courtroom the verdict has already been settled, for Christ has already died. God (the Judge) is no longer wrathful towards those for whom Christ died because Christ fulfilled the demands of the law on their behalf (substitutionary atonement). The court has been adjourned, for the verdict has been found.
You were not physically in the courtroom, but your Surety was there, on your behalf, bleeding and crucified. Preaching the gospel is like going back to the prison yard where sinners are bound in chains of hopelessness and despair, and declaring to them the events of the courtroom. God the Spirit, not the preacher, bears witness with his sheep's spirits (who are not all the prisoners, but who are among them), and validates that the occurrences of the courtroom are true and that they themselves were represented there that day by Christ crucified.
The job of the preacher is not to play the role of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ), but rather to declare glad tidings (Act 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,), of good things (1Jn 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.), which as God lives is for all those for whom Christ died: Heb 6:16-20 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,".
Man’s inability to do good and his duty to obey the Law
And we need to remember that those who truly hold to free will define it as an "A-moral" will; that is, a will that is like a clean slate, with no bias or bent or crooked desires. Essentially this is a direct denial that mankind fell in the fall of Adam as the Scriptures teach; which is why you have many of the Pelagians denying the doctrine Original Sin.
Since the fall of mankind into sin, however, the will of man has been defiled and corrupted. But remember, just because man lost his will to obey God in the fall, doesn't mean that God lost his authority to command men to obey him in the fall. Man fell in the fall, not God. For some strange reason so many people get caught up in this. They think it just is not fair for God to command men to obey him, when man doesn't possess the will to obey him. But consider the justice of God towards those in hell. They do not possess the ability to obey God, yet God doesn't set aside his law against them. No, the neglected duties of the law torment their consciences day and night, for God is the Lord, He changes not; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; immutable in all his eternal purposes, even in the midst of the fall of mankind in Adam. The duties of the law bind every soul irrespective of their moral condition. Thus, if God had not sent the gospel to redeem some from among men, (praise Him for doing so!!) none would ever be saved, and there would never for all eternity be a righteous echo from the perished of "Injustice!!", for God is the Righteous Judge, and will by no means clear the guilty.
Hebrews 4:10 - Entering into his rest
Hebrews 4:10 "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Before a soul is tucked into the bed of rest by the Lord Jesus, wherein he finds a strong consolation of habitual peace andcomfort as he ceases from the cursing of trusting in man and making flesh his right arm, he must first be made awake by the terrors of the law out of his former resting. This ordeal is the fit means the Lord has ordained to bring his elect children out from under the deceptive sheets of self righteousness which are as a filthy garment which spots the flesh with worldly comforts. As the lord awakens them into a state of weariness and restlessness they hear the gospel of their salvation from the lips of the crucified One and are beckoned to come to him and he will give them rest. As the spirit enables, they find themselves entering into his rest and ceasing from their own works for justification into the comforts of blessed tranquility and the assuring love of God in Christ their Hope.
The gifts of family toward a weak and frail soul
Lord, thank you for my family. Thank you for my wife and thank you for my children. I joy in your abundant blessings and timeless gifts of love I have experienced through them. I see your sweet lovingkindnesses in pouring over me moments of sober affection that we all share together underneath your gentle care. I know this life is a solo moment, standing alone as a monument to your creative glory, yet is full of solo moments, each revealing to this heart your mercy and great love, teaching me the value of Now. Lord, it is difficult not to respond to these seasons without the feeling of unsatisfaction... Not with You, but with my mortality. It is a plague that strikes fear into this carnality, yet seems to weaken and dissipate as Your indwelling Presence puts to death the deeds of the flesh. When I rest in your Works towards me, your promises of future and present grace, I am comforted and feel the breath of content beside me. These fleeting moments are then best resolved with the only suitable and God-centered direction my heart may cleave to, namely, thankfulness and joy. May you teach my heart to set it's affections on things above in this manner, dear Lord. When the desires of my Spirit are in union with Yours, I will not fear the tide of time as it sweeps away my daughters kisses, but will say to my soul, "hope thou in God." Depart from me corruptible worries and earthly tears, and may these eyes spring forth joy in God as they worship the Creator for these drops of heavenly affection in the gifts of family toward a weak and frail soul.
"...who maketh thee to differ from another?"
1 Cor. 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
You can find out really quickly where someone's understanding lies by asking them the simple question of what makes them to differ from someone who perishes in hell. If they say something other than the grace of God, like the difference lies in the decisions I made compared to the decisions they who perish made, they must understand that their hope cannot possible be in Christ alone. Grace compels us to grasp and look only to the mercy of Christ alone, not on our 'willpower'. The carnal mind cannot view the blood and righteousness of Christ as sufficient alone to pluck sinners from the fiery brand, but would rather perish under the torments of eternal damnation than to freely receive gifts of love and salvation from the Lord. This is why those who receive Him, do so from a quickened vantage point; that is, they see Him not as blind men, but as seeing; not as deaf men, but as hearing. God first makes us alive that we may freely live with Him. This is also why God does not come to offer the carnal man anything, but comes to release such a man from his carnality. He delivers His sheep from the enslavements of both their fleshly passions and their lack of hope. But woe unto those who justify themselves with 'will-worship' and false flatteries to the law. Their reward will not be long delayed, for they shall see the King from on High with Justice in His right hand.
This question you might ask them is especially eye opening for someone who believes in a universal atonement. This is because if they believe that Jesus died just as much for them as for those who perish, what makes them to differ from others who perish? Can it possibly be the grace of God in Christ's atonement alone? or must something else be done. If something else must be done to not go to hell, as they may believe many for whom Christ died do, then it must be true that the saving blood and righteousness of Christ is not after all the thing that actually makes the difference. Just that thought alone makes me want to throw up. It is sickening to my soul to place confidence and hope in anything outside of Christ and His eternal works alone! How is that possibly comforting to a weary and heavy laden soul who is thirsting for righteousness and longs for words of hope and comfort; one who's soul is bleeding from law wounds inside? It is a nightmare to suggest to such a person that they must not receive assurance, joy, and hope that Christ is everything they need for eternal redemption; but that they need to do something more than Calvary or they will perish like the rest of the sinners for whom Christ died as a legal substitute. It is cancerous.
What does it mean to abide in Christ?
In verse 4 of that Chapter Christ says " Abide in me, and I in you". The image is that of unity and oneness. Everything we have in this Christian life is a direct result of the "one flesh" relationship that we have with Him. This is true with our justification; Rom.4:10 " For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." and of our sanctification; Rom. 7:4 "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."
Consider our unity with Him. So much so we are called His "Body" or His "Members": 1 Cor. 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Notice that we are partakers of the divine nature (Christ in you the hope of Glory) through knowing Him, whereby He gives to us infallible promises of grace to overcome this world: 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Being a partaker of the divine nature is to abide in Christ, as I understand.
Thank you Lord that you give us comfort in the Scripture and that your Spirit assures to our hearts those "exceeding great and precious promises". Without these imparted to us in a "knowing" relationship with you we would wither and dry up and be cast out as those who bear fruit unto damnation do. Praise Your name for delivering us from the power of darkness and translating us into the kingdom of your dear Son. Please cause your sheep children who are restless, to be partakers of the divine nature and strongly hope in Your eternal Works done for them, enabling their souls to joy in you in truth as that builder and framer who is God alone. And as for those who we encounter that are Yours from before the foundation of the world, but who are yet resting not in You, but in their beds of 'self-trusting'; rip off their sheets of self righteousness and put them by Your law into a weary and heavy laden condition, that they may be able to receive rest from Christ alone, through Your Spirit, by Your gospel alone. Cast away from us all doubt that you are our shelter and refuge and banner, and be to our daily lives light, to bring sight and understanding as we learn to live in You as You live in us.
