Just read

"But the most serious charge of all is, that we have attempted to dismember the Spouse of Christ. Were that true, both you and the whole world might well regard us as desperate. But I will not admit the charge, unless you can make out that the Spouse of Christ is dismembered by those who desire to present her as a chaste virgin to Christ-who are animated by a degree of holy zeal to preserve her spotless for Christ-who, seeing her polluted by base seducers, recall her to conjugal fidelity-who unhesitatingly wage war against all the adulterers whom they detect laying snares for her chastity. And what but this have we done? Had not the Church attempted, nay, violated her chastity, by strange doctrines? Had not she been violently prostituted by your numberless superstitions? Had she not been defiled by that vilest species of adultery, the worship of images? And because, forsooth, we did not suffer you to insult the sacred chamber of Christ, we are said have lacerated His Spouse....How can the Church adhere to her Spouse, while she has Him not in safety? [mind/concern] For where is the safety of Christ, while the glory of His justice, and holiness, and wisdom, is transferred elsewhere?" -John Calvin

http://homepage.mac.com/shanerosenthal/reformationink/jcsadolet.htm

I added [mind/concern] for modern clarification
 
Knowing this, we should draw near in prayer to give thanks, listen and wait on the Lord, for He is God! We should ask of Him, with empty hands, for we can do nothing apart from Him. We should ask Him to change our hearts, and to make us submissive to His will, and to empty us and fill us anew. We should ask Him for ears to hear and a heart to obey. We should humbly depend on God for everything, and thank Him for everything, in Jesus' name.

amen brother...
the Lord revealed this to me in intercessory prayer this past week.
We come to him many time "with hands already full"...:(

We are to have "clean hands", ready to do the work that He gives us
and not be filled with our own expectations or desires or the cares of
this world. But present clean and empty hands to fill as He desires.

:pray: I pray that our hands be "prosperous and generous"...to be filled and emptied as the Lord desires. They can not be so if our hands are filled
with other things!

Psalm 24:3-5 (KJV)


3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
2 Timothy 3

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.




:groupray:
 
Signs of the Times
Arthur Pink, 1937


Let us assure the spiritual reader at the outset, that we are not going to waste his time nor our space, by a consideration of the latest political doings. "Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth" (Isaiah 45:9)—the child of God has nothing to do with their activities. It is something far more solemn than anything occurring in the political realm that we are now going to write upon, namely—the soul-deceiving character of most of the "Evangelism" of this degenerate and apostate generation.
It is generally recognized that spirituality is at a low ebb in Christendom, and not a few perceive that sound doctrine is rapidly on the wane—yet many of the Lord's people take comfort from supposing that the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved thereby. Alas, their optimistic supposition is ill-founded and grounded in sand. If the "message" now being delivered in Mission Halls be examined, if the "tracts" which are scattered among the unchurched masses be scrutinized, if the "open air" speakers be carefully listened to, if the "sermons" or "addresses" of a "Soul-winning campaign" be analyzed; in short, if modern "Evangelism" be weighed in the balances of Holy Writ—it will be found lacking—lacking that which is vital to a genuine conversion, lacking what is essential if sinners are to be shown their need of a Savior, lacking that which will produce the transfigured lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus.
It is in no faultfinding spirit that we write, seeking to make a man an offender for a word. It is not that we are looking for perfection, and complain because we cannot find it; nor that we criticize others because they are not doing things as we think they should be done.
No! It is a matter far more serious than that. The "evangelism" of the day is not only superficial to the last degree—but it is radically defective! It is utterly lacking a foundation on which to base an appeal for sinners to come to Christ. There is not only a lamentable lack of proportion (the mercy of God being made far more prominent than His holiness, His love than His wrath)—but there is a fatal omission of that which God has given for the purpose of imparting a knowledge of sin. There is not only reprehensible introducing of "bright singing," humorous witticisms and entertaining anecdotes—but there is a studied omission of the dark background upon which alone the Gospel can effectually shine forth.
But serious indeed as is the above indictment, it is only half of it—the negative side, that which is lacking. Worse still, is that which is being retailed by the cheap-jack evangelists of the day. The positive content of their message is nothing but a throwing of dust in the eyes of the sinner. His soul is put to sleep by the Devil's opiate, ministered in a most unsuspecting form. Those who really receive the "message" which is now being given out from most of the "orthodox" pulpits and platforms today are being fatally deceived.
It is a way which seems right unto a man—but unless God sovereignly intervenes by a miracle of grace, all who follow it will surely find that the ends thereof are the ways of death. Ten of thousands who confidently imagine they are bound for Heaven—will get a terrible disillusionment when they awake in Hell!
What is the Gospel? Is it a message of glad tidings from Heaven to make God-defying rebels at ease in their wickedness? Is it given for the purpose of assuring the pleasure crazy young people that, providing they only "believe" there is nothing for them to fear in the future? One would certainly think so from the way in which the Gospel is presented —or rather perverted—by most of the "evangelists," and the more so when we look at the lives of their "converts." Surely those with any degree of spiritual discernment must perceive that to assure such that God loves them and His Son died for them, and that a full pardon for all their sins (past, present, and future) can be obtained by simply "accepting Christ as their personal Savior," is but a casting of pearls before swine!
The Gospel is not a thing apart. It is not something independent of the prior revelation of God's Law. It is not an announcement that God has relaxed His justice or lowered the standard of His holiness. So far from that, when Scripturally expounded, the Gospel presents the clearest demonstration and the most positive proof of the inexorableness of God's justice and of His infinite abhorrence of sin. But for Scripturally expounding the Gospel, beardless youths and businessmen who devote their spare time to "evangelistic effort," are quite unqualified. Alas! that the pride of the flesh allows so many incompetent ones to rush in where those much wiser fear to tread. It is this multiplying of novices that is largely responsible for the woeful situation now confronting us, and because the "churches" and "assemblies" are so largely filled with their "converts," explains why they are so unspiritual and worldly.
No, my reader, the Gospel is very, very far from making light of sin. It reveals to us the terrible sword of His justice smiting His beloved Son, in order that atonement might be made for the transgressions of His people. So far from the Gospel setting aside the Law, it exhibits the Savior enduring the curse of it. Calvary supplied the most solemn and awe-inspiring display of God's hatred of sin that time or eternity will ever furnish!
And do you imagine that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified, by going to worldlings and telling them that they "may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their personal Savior" while they are wedded to their idols and their hearts still in love with sin? If I do so, I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel, insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into a license for immorality.
No doubt some readers are ready to object to our "harsh" and "sarcastic" statements above by asking, When the question was put "What must I do to be saved?" did not an inspired Apostle expressly say "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ—and you shall be saved?" Can we err, then, if we tell sinners the same thing today? Have we not Divine warrant for so doing? True, those words are found in Holy Writ, and because they are, many superficial and untrained people conclude they are justified in repeating them to all people. But let it be pointed out that Acts 16:31 was not addressed to a promiscuous multitude—but to a particular individual, which at once intimates that it is not a message to be indiscriminately sounded forth—but rather a special word, to those whose characters correspond to the one to whom it was first spoken.
Verses of Scripture must not be wrenched from their setting—but weighed, interpreted, and applied in accord with their context; and that calls for prayerful consideration, careful meditation, and prolonged study; and it is failure at this point which accounts for these shoddy and worthless "messages" of this rush-ahead age. Look at the context of Acts 16:31, and what do we find? What was the occasion, and to whom was it that the Apostle and his companion said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"? A sevenfold answer is there furnished, which supplies a striking and complete delineation of the character of those to whom we are warranted in giving this truly evangelistic word. As we briefly names these seven details, let the reader carefully ponder them.
First, the man to whom those words were spoken had just witnessed the miracle working power of God. "And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken—and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were loosed" (Acts 16:26).
Second, in consequence thereof, the man was deeply stirred, even to the point of self-despair, "He drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled" (v. 27).
Third, he felt the need of illumination, "Then he called for a light" (v. 29).
Fourth, his self-delight was utterly shattered, for he "came trembling" (v. 29).
Fifth, he took his proper place before God—in the dust, for he "fell down before Paul and Silas" (v. 29).
Sixth, he showed respect and consideration for God's servants, for he "brought them out" (v. 30).
Seventh, then, with a deep concern for his soul, he asked "what must I do to be saved?"
Here, then, is something definite for our guidance—if we are willing to be guided. It was no giddy, careless, unconcerned person, who was exhorted to "simply" believe; but instead, one who gave clear evidence that a mighty work of God had already been wrought within him. He was an awakened soul (v. 27). In his case there was no need to press upon him his lost condition, for obviously he felt it; nor were the apostles required to urge upon him the duty of repentance, for his entire demeanor betokened his contrition.
But to apply the words spoken to him unto those who are totally blind to their depraved state, and completely dead toward God—would be more foolish than placing a bottle of smelling-salts to the nose of one who had just been dragged unconscious out of the water. Let the critic of this article read carefully through the Acts and see if he can find a single instance of the Apostles addressing a promiscuous audience or a company of idolatrous heathen, and "simply" telling them to believe in Christ.
Just as the world was not ready for the New Testament, before it received the Old; just as the Jews were not prepared for the ministry of Christ—until John the Baptist had gone before Him with his call to repentance; so the unsaved are in no condition today for the Gospel—until the Law is applied to their hearts, for "by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). It is a waste of time to sow seed on ground which has never been plowed or spaded! To present the vicarious sacrifice of Christ to those whose dominant passion is to take their fill of sin—is to give that which is holy unto the dogs. What the unconverted need to hear about, is the character of Him with whom they have to do, His claim upon them, His righteous demands, and the infinite enormity of disregarding Him and going on their own way.
The NATURE of Christ's salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day "evangelist." He announces a Savior from Hell, rather than a Savior from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of Fire—who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness! The very first thing said of Him in the New Testament is, "you shall call his name JESUS—for He shall save His people (not "from the wrath to come," but) from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Christ is a Savior for those realizing something of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who fell the awful burden of it on their conscience, so loathe themselves for it, and who long to be freed from its terrible dominion! He is a Savior for no others. Were He to "save from Hell" those who were still in love with sin, He would be the minister of sin, condoning their wickedness and siding with them against God. What an unspeakably horrible and blasphemous thing with which to charge the Holy One!
Should the reader exclaim, I was not conscious of the heinousness of sin nor bowed down with a sense of my guilt when Christ saved me, then we unhesitatingly reply—Either you have never been saved at all, or you were not saved as early as you supposed. True, as the Christian grows in grace he has a clearer realization now what sin is—rebellion against God—and a deeper hatred of and sorrow for it—but to think that one may be saved by Christ whose conscience has never been smitten by the Spirit and whose heart has not been made contrite before God—is to imagine something which has no existence whatever in the realm of fact. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." (Matt. 9:12). The only ones who really seek relief from the Great Physician—are those who are sick of sin—who long to be delivered from its God-dishonoring works and its soul-defiling pollutions!
Inasmuch, then, as Christ's salvation is a salvation from sin—from the love of it, from its dominion, from its guile and penalty—then it necessarily follows that the first great task and the chief work of the evangelist is to preach upon SIN—to define what sin (as distinct from crime) really is, to show wherein its infinite enormity consists; to trace out its manifold workings in the heart; to indicate that nothing less than eternal punishment is its desert. Ah, and preaching upon sin—not merely uttering a few platitudes concerning it—but devoting sermon after sermon to explaining what sin is in the light of God—will not make him popular nor draw the crowds, will it? No, it will not, and knowing this, those who love the praise of men more than the approbation of God, and who value their salary above immortal souls, trim their sails accordingly. "But such preaching will drive people away!" We answer, Far better drive the people away by faithful preaching than drive the Holy Spirit away by unfaithfully pandering to the flesh.
The TERMS of Christ's salvation are erroneously stated by the present-day evangelist. With very rare exceptions, he tells his hearers that salvation is by grace and is received as a free gift; that Christ has done everything for the sinner, and nothing remains but for him to "believe"—to trust in the infinite merits of His blood. And so widely does this conception now prevail in "orthodox" circles, so frequently has it been dinned in their ears, so deeply has it taken root in their minds, that for one to now challenge it and denounce it as being so inadequate and one-sided as to be deceptive and erroneous, is for him to instantly court the stigma of being a heretic, and to be charged with dishonoring the finished work of Christ by inculcating salvation by works! Yet notwithstanding, the writer is quite prepared to run that risk.
Salvation is by grace, by grace alone, for a fallen creature cannot possibly do anything to merit God's approval or earn His favor. Nevertheless, Divine grace is not exercised at the expense of holiness, for it never compromises with sin. It is also true that salvation is a free gift—but an empty hand must receive it, and not a hand which still tightly grasps the world! But it is not true that "Christ has done everything for the sinner." He did not fill the sinner's belly with the husks which the swine eat and find them unable to satisfy. He has not turned the sinner's back on the far country, arisen, gone to the Father, and acknowledged his sins—those are acts which the sinner himself must perform.
True, he will not be saved for the performance of them—yet it is equally true that he cannot be saved without the performance of them—any more than the prodigal could receive the Father's kiss and ring—while he still remained at a guilty distance from Him! Something more than "believing" is necessary to salvation. A heart that is steeled in rebellion against God cannot savingly believe—it must first be broken. It is written "unless you repent—you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Repentance is just as essential as faith, yes, the latter cannot be without the former. The order is clearly enough laid down by Christ, "Repent—and believe the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). Repentance is sorrowing for sin. Repentance is a heart repudiation of sin. Repentance is a heart determination to forsake sin. And where there is true repentance grace is free to act, for the requirements of holiness are conserved when sin is renounced. Thus, it is the duty of the evangelist to cry "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts—and let him return unto the Lord (from whom he departed in Adam), and He will have mercy upon him" (Isa 55:7). His task is to call on his hearers to lay down the weapons of their warfare against God—and then to sue for mercy through Christ.
The WAY of salvation is falsely defined. In most instances the modern "evangelist" assures his congregation that all any sinner has to do in order to escape Hell and make sure of Heaven—is to "receive Christ as his personal Savior." But such teaching is utterly misleading.
No one can receive Christ as Savior—while he rejects Him as Lord. It is true the preacher adds that the one who accepts Christ should also surrender to Him as Lord—but he at once spoils it by asserting that though the convert fails to do so, nevertheless Heaven is sure to him. That is one of the Devil's lies. Only those who are spiritually blind, would declare that Christ will save any who despise His authority and refuse His yoke! Why, my reader, that would not be grace but a disgrace—charging Christ with placing a premium on lawlessness.
It is in His office of Lord, that Christ maintains God's honor, subserves His government, enforces His Law; and if the reader will turn to those passages—Luke 1:46, 47; Acts 5:31; 2 Peter 1:11, 2:20, 3:2, 3:18—where the two titles occur, he will find that it is always "Lord and Savior," and not "Savior and Lord." Therefore, those who have not bowed to Christ's scepter and enthroned Him in their hearts and lives, and yet imagine that they are trusting in Him as their Savior, are deceived, and unless God disillusions them they will go down to the everlasting burnings with a lie in their right hand! (Isaiah 44:20).
Christ is "the Author of eternal salvation unto all those who obey Him" (Heb. 5:9)—but the attitude of those who do not submit to His Lordship is—"we will not have this Man to reign over us!" (Luke 19:14). Pause then, my reader, and honestly face the question—are you subject to His will, are you sincerely endeavoring to keep His commandments? Alas, alas, God's "way of salvation" is almost entirely unknown today.
The nature of Christ's salvation is almost universally misunderstood, and the terms of His salvation misrepresented on every hand. The "Gospel" which is now being proclaimed is, in nine cases out of every ten—but a perversion of the Truth, and tens of thousands, assured they are bound for Heaven, are now hastening to Hell, as fast as time can take them! Things are far, far worse in Christendom than even the "pessimist" and the "alarmist" suppose.
We are not a prophet, nor shall we indulge in any speculation of what Biblical prophecy forecasts—wiser men that the writer have often made fools of themselves by so doing. We are frank to say that we have no idea what God is about to do. Religious conditions were much worse, even in England, one hundred and fifty years ago. But this we greatly fear; unless God is pleased to grant a real revival, it will not be long before "the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people" (Isaiah 60:2), for the light of the true Gospel is rapidly disappearing. Modern "Evangelism" constitutes, in our judgment, the most solemn of all the "signs of the times." What must the people of God do in view of the existing situation? Ephesians 5:11 supplies the Divine answer, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness—but rather reprove them," and everything opposed to the light of the Word is "darkness."
It is the bounden duty of every Christian to have no dealings with the "evangelistic" monstrosity of the day; to withhold all moral and financial support of the same, to attend none of their meetings, to circulate none of their tracts. Those preachers who tell sinners they may be saved without forsaking their idols, without repenting, without surrendering to the Lordship of Christ, are as erroneous and dangerous as others who insist that salvation is by works, and that Heaven must be earned by our own efforts!

http://www.gracegems.org/Pink2/signs_of_the_times.htm
 
John 9:31 "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. (NASB ©1995)

Job 27:8 "For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, When God requires his life?

Job 35:13 "Surely God will not listen to an empty cry, Nor will the Almighty regard it.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 66:18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;

Psalm 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 28:9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Isaiah 1:15 "So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
 
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 1:18-20

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:7-11
 
'Then I thought, "I would not live always; would God I had never been born!" But I dared not die, for there was hell when I was dead; and I dared not live, for life had become intolerable. Still the fire blazed right vehemently; till at last I came to this resolve: "If there be salvation in Christ, I will have it. I have nothing of my own to trust to; I do this hour, O God, renounce my sin, and renounce my own righteousness too." And the fire blazed again, and burned up all my good works, ay, and my sins with them. And then I saw that all this burning was to bring me to Christ. And oh! the joy and gladness of my heart, when Jesus came and sprinkled water on the flame, and said, "I have bought thee with my blood; put thy trust in me; I will do for thee what thou canst not do for thyself; I will take thy sins away; I will clothe thee with a spotless robe of righteousness; I will guide thee all thy journey through, and land thee at last in heaven." C. H. Spurgeon

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0167.htm.
 
This is all quite interesting, but I think it's possible to come to Christ like a child, knowing and understanding nothing of all these doctrines and things, knowing only that this man Jesus is the only one who can save us, and He WILL save us. That's called grace.:)
 
I agree with you. The thief on the cross knew with a repentant heart that he was a sinner and saving faith that Jesus is Lord. If the Lord saves you, you are saved. [Ephesians 2:8-10]

As we grow in the faith we are to long for ther pure milk of the word. myself, i was dragged to Christ, but first i was convinced and convicted of my sin, and God's law made terrifyingly aware of my lost sinful condition, needing to be saved, then lead to Christ for mercy and forgiveness, all to the glory of God the Father. i can take no credit for anypart of it whatsoever, and we know all that the Father gives the Son will come to Him. God does the work by His Spirit, and we are all accountable to Him. We are to repent and believe. We are to submit to Christ who is Lord and Savior. And the Great Comission is indeed to preach the gospel, and warn our fellowman in a loving way. I think it is wrong however, for one to 'not go out into the vinyard.' God does the work, yet he uses us for His glory. We are to yearn for the milk, eventually being ready for the meat. God can use anybody, and we draw near to Him in prayer with sincere hearts and get to know Him in His Word. If we are to teach we must first know. We preach Christ cruixified. Man shall live on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. His Word teaches His servants and by it His servants are warned, and His Word shows us how to be saved through His Son Jesus. And we should, as believers, all long to grow in the knowledge of Him.
 
Knowing this, we should draw near in prayer to give thanks, listen and wait on the Lord, for He is God! We should ask of Him, with empty hands, for we can do nothing apart from Him. We should ask Him to change our hearts, and to make us submissive to His will, and to empty us and fill us anew. We should ask Him for ears to hear and a heart to obey. We should humbly depend on God for everything, and thank Him for everything, in Jesus' name.

Excellent my brother.... I second this motion (in agreement and with prayer).


Good day and God Bless
 
God bless you good brother

Internal Salvation
by Arthur Pink
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
These words set forth a fundamental aspect of salvation that is now widely ignored, and it is one of the vital points at which the pulpit needs testing, for if it is faulty here, then its trumpet gives forth an uncertain sound. Alas, most of the pulpits today are engaged in declaring what man must do. Creature performances are the sum and substance of the great majority of modern sermons—the operations of God being relegated to the rear. True, there are those who have quite a little to say of what God has done for sinners, yet most of these men are radically defective in their conceptions of what has to be wrought in sinners before there can be any salvation for them. These men talk much about the "finished work of Christ," and many are misled by them, for they are largely, if not wholly, silent upon the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
How few there are today who perceive that the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Spirit is as indispensable, as is the sacrificial work of Christ. That is why we often hear untaught evangelists say, and read in the "tracts" of our day, "salvation is by the blood of Christ alone," or "we are saved by faith alone": statements which are unscriptural, most misleading, and highly dangerous because of their lopsidedness. A man may hold the most Scriptural views of the Atonement, and though that may evidence his "orthodoxy," yet it is no proof at all that he is a new creature in Christ. He may highly honor faith and vehemently affirm that good works have no part or place in the saving of the soul—and yet be alienated from God. Unless the Holy Spirit has "begun a good work in me" then I am still dead in sins!
"He who has begun a good work in you." Ah, that is what draws the line of demarcation between the living and the dead! That is what distinguishes true possessor, from empty professors. And why? because that "good work" is not in any of us by nature. That statement calls for a word or explanation and amplification. There still remains in fallen man, the remnants of that "likeness" or "similitude of God" in which he was originally created, as is clear from James 3:9. The Apostle Paul did not hesitate to declare that even the heathen "show the work of the Law written in their heart" (Romans 2:15). The most depraved and wicked possess a conscience, which is "the candle of the Lord" (Proverbs 20:27) within them. Nevertheless, the unregenerate are utterly devoid of even a "spark" of Divine life in them, and therefore is it said of them, "There are none who do good, no not one" (Romans 3:12).

1. For our first main division, we will consider the NATURE or CHARACTER of this "good work" of which the Holy Spirit is the Agent. Under this head our text suggests four lines of thought.
First, it is a DIVINE work. "He who has begun a good work in you." The Author of of this good work is God—and not man. The creature contributes nothing whatever to it. The favored subject thereof is entirely passive in it: "For he says to Moses—I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy" (Romans 9:16). This "good work" is a creative act on the part of God, and to talk of the creature "cooperating" with the Creator in connection with creation—is the language of imbecility. I was no more consulted about and had no more to do with my spiritual birth—than I had with my natural birth! Nor does the preacher have any more hand in the resurrection of the soul (which is what this good work is) than he will have in the resurrection of the body. God, and God alone, is the Author of it.
Second, it is as yet an INCOMPLETE work. "He who has begun a good work in you." This Divine miracle of grace is carried forward from stage to stage: "first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head" (Mark 4:28). It is commenced at regeneration, it is continued by sanctification, it is consummated at glorification. It is highly important that the Christian should clearly grasp this fact: God has not finished with him yet! We are impatient creatures, and wish to fly before our wings are grown. Many of our expectations are as unwarrantable as they are unattainable. It is but the initial work which God has wrought in the believer, and it remains uncompleted throughout this life. Then let us not look for that in us, or from us—which will be fully realized only in Heaven. Sinless perfection in this world, is a madman’s delusion.
Third, it is an INTERNAL work. "He who has begun a good work in you." This is the vital, necessary, indispensable sequel to what Christ did for them. The atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus avails them nothing, until they exercise faith in it, and that is impossible so long as a person is dead in trespasses and sins. He must be born again before he can savingly believe and obtain forgiveness from God. The "good work," then, is wrought in the heart. It is no mere making clean the outside of the platter, while the inside is left all foul and filthy. A radical change is effected by the supernatural operations of God. A principle of spiritual life, a new nature is imparted, an "incorruptible seed" is placed within the soul, which radically affects all its faculties—the understanding, conscience, affections, and will.
Fourth, it is a SOVEREIGN work. "He who has begun a good work in you"—it is not performed in all the members of Adam’s race. And why? Because God disburses His charity and distributes His gifts according to the good pleasure of His own will. This "good work" is wrought in none but "God’s elect." Nor is it wrought in them, because they are any better or worthier than the non-elect, for they are not so. There was nothing whatever in them to induce God to perform a miracle of grace in their hearts. It was not because they desired or prayed for it, for "there is no one who seeks God" (Romans 3:11). If it be asked why God favors them rather than others, the only answer forthcoming is, "Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight" (Matt. 11:26).

2. For our second main division we will consider the EVIDENCES of this "good work." The great question which exercises every quickened soul is, Has this "good work" begun in me? This is a matter which causes him the deepest possible concern, far more so than anything connected with his temporal interests. All other considerations fade into utter insignificance before this momentous inquiry: Has a miracle of grace been wrought in my soul? Is it possible for me to be sure? Many answer, No, declaring that this is a profound mystery which it is impossible for any man to elucidate, insisting that assurance is but proud presumption. But God’s Word declares, "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16). Against this Divine declaration, all human objections are worthless.
Again, we read in the Word of Truth, "These things have I written unto you who believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Therefore, assurance is both possible and desirable. In view of these passages it is clear that we may ascertain whether or not this good work has been wrought in us. But how? By its effects. Recall for a moment the nature of this "good work." It is Divine: therefore it must be far above anything the creature can produce. Yet it is incomplete: therefore we must not look for something already completed. It is internal: therefore we must look within, if we are to identify it. This good work is wrought by the Holy Spirit in the heart—it is something which He imparts and produces there, and it is discoverable by the effects which the change makes there. In developing this point we will endeavor to be very plain and simple.
First, a HARROWED heart is an inevitable effect of the Spirit’s good work. By nature the heart of fallen man is as hard as sun-baked ground after a long drought. Its possessor is quite unconcerned about his eternal destiny, utterly indifferent whether God’s smile or God’s frown is upon him. He is thoroughly in love with sin, and a total stranger to any grief occasioned by having displeased and dishonored the Most High God. But when a work of Divine grace is begun in him—all this is changed! It is like plentiful showers of rain falling upon and moistening the earth. His heart is softened and chastened. In consequence, he is deeply exercised as to his eternal destiny, greatly troubled over his past carelessness and wickedness, fearful that he has so sinned away his day of grace that he is beyond the reach of mercy. His heart is sore wounded at the realization he has offended so grievously against God.
Second, an HONEST heart is a sure proof that this good work has begun in him. "That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it" (Luke 8:15)—this is what distinguishes them from the barren-ground believers. But note well the order: the heart must be made "honest" before it can rightly be designated "good." An honest heart is indeed a rare and wonderful thing. By nature our hearts are thoroughly deceitful and hypocritical: that is why we love to be flattered and fish for compliments; that is why when the preacher is conscious of having failed, he is most anxious to be told his sermon was an excellent one; that is why we are pleased when the photographer conceals our defects. Now that streak of deceitfulness is not removed at regeneration, but a principle of honesty is imparted.
Ah, that is the very thing I am exercised about—for who knows better than myself how two-faced I am! If I am to be weighed against the balance of genuine honesty, I am certain to be "found lacking." Not so fast, dear friend. Let me point out how you may discover whether this principle of honesty is in you. If it is, then you are greatly afraid of being deceived in soul matters, and you earnestly beg God to search you and show you your actual state.
One with an honest heart desires to know the worst about himself! Measure yourself by that criterion: no unregenerate person can survive it, for he is determined to think well of himself, no matter what evidence there is to the contrary. One with an honest heart cries to the Lord, "If I am mistaken in supposing I am born again, reveal it to me; if I am deluded by Satan, open my eyes before it is too late." No one who lacks an honest heart will ever sincerely pray thus!
Third, a HOLY heart evidences God’s work in us. Ah, you say, that cuts me off entirely, for my heart is most unholy. Nothing you can say to the contrary can alter the fact: I am a spiritual leper, a mass of corruption, polluted at the very core of my being; and to say that such a vile creature as I am possesses a holy heart is both a mockery and a lie!
Listen: the graces of the Spirit in our hearts are like lovely flowers growing amid foul and stinking weeds. This is the grand miracle of Divine grace—that purity is planted amid impurity—a Christ-like principle is placed in soil which is earthly, sensual, devilish. Nor does that holy principle eradicate or reduce the sin which surrounds it; nay, the one in whom it dwells frequently has occasion to cry "iniquities prevail against me!" (Psalm. 65:3). But neither the presence nor the power of indwelling sin, is any disproof of a principle of holiness in the heart. That principle is evidenced by loathing the filth which surrounds it, and grieving because of inability to exterminate it.
Again, that principle of holiness in the soul may be distinguished thus: a holy God is delighted in. You dare not say you delight in God? But do you not admire and adore His character? Do you not perceive and own His attributes are perfect? Do you not crave after and seek unto communion with Him? The unregenerate do not! that is the last thing they want! Are not your most joyous moments those which are spent in fellowship with God, a brief foretaste of Heaven? Do you not long to be conformed to His image?
These are some of the certain marks of a principle of holiness in the heart, none of which are the products of mere nature, nor can they be attributed unto any refinings of the flesh. A work of grace must be wrought in the heart—before the heart desires, seeks after, delights in God.
Fourth, a HUMBLE heart is another sure evidence of the "good work" having been performed in it. Necessarily so, for nothing is more characteristic of fallen man than self-delight and self-satisfaction. If, then, a person genuinely loathes himself, if he frankly acknowledges his very righteousnesses are as filthy rags—then a miracle of grace must have been wrought within him. Yes, says the dubious reader, I freely endorse the truth of that—yet I certainly dare not lay claim to possessing a humble heart. How can I, when I am fully conscious of the fact that I am so often filled with pride? Why, I am such a conceited creature, that I take credit for the faithful discharge of duties, and pat myself on the back when I have had liberty at prayer. Even if I am chastened for a season, I congratulate myself on my growing humility. No, my heart is very far from being a lowly one!
Let it be pointed out, then, that the presence of spiritual humility does not destroy or even refine natural pride. No, not in that direction must we look for proofs of its existence. Where, then? Here—if regenerated you dare not, you cannot, you could not make yourself get alone with God and boast before Him. Yet the Pharisee does! (Luke 18:11) Then you are not a Pharisee, dear friend. When before God—you disown all worthiness of your own, and cast yourself upon His bare grace. Do you? Yes! then that proves there is a principle of true humility in your heart. Are you not thoroughly convinced that if ever you are justified, it must be by and because of the righteousness of Christ—and that alone? But no self-righteous person will allow that. Are you not deeply distressed over the workings of pride in your heart? You would not be so if there were no spiritual principle of humility in you. No unregenerate person ever grieves over the swellings of pride and self-delight.
Now, dear reader, we have sought to show that the "good work" which the Spirit has begun in those whom He has brought from death unto life may, be discovered by the effects which it produces upon its favored subjects. Those effects we have summed up in a harrowed, honest, holy, and humble heart. These are the sure indexes—the marks—the infallible criteria by which we may identify the Spirit’s miracle of grace. Such lovely graces are not the native product of earth’s human soil. No! they come down from above and are planted in the soul at regeneration.

3. The third main division, is to consider the COMPLETION of this good work. "He who has begun a good work in you will finish it until the day of Jesus Christ." One of the things which occasion most concern unto those who have a little assurance, is that the work of Divine grace within them is making such small progress, nay, it often seems, none at all; that there is no growth in grace, no fruitfulness. To those who mourn over this, the above is indeed a precious promise.
First, it is an absolute and unconditional promise; there are no provisos or stipulations attached to it. The good work proceeds as it began—altogether apart from creature worthiness or creature efforts. And, we may add, its continuation, like its beginning, is perceivably only by the effects which are produced.
Second, it is a promise made good by pure grace, notwithstanding innumerable failures and sins. In himself, the believer is just as unworthy at the close of his pilgrimage—as he was when the good work was begun in him. It is all of grace from first to last.
Third, this promise is one which issues from the eternal and immutable love of God, which is solemnly pledged in the Everlasting Covenant and guaranteed by the infinitely meritorious work of Christ.
Fourth, this promise is secured by Divine omnipotence—despite indwelling sin, a hostile world, an opposing Devil. "Being confident of this very thing—that He who has begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." O what thanks and praise are due unto Him who enables the believer to say, "The Lord will perfect that which concerns me! Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever!" (Psalm 138:8)

Internal Salvation


May the Lord always cause us to turn our gaze to Him
 
WoundedsolderofCHRIST,
Daniels, &
Ramsey

Where have all my friends gone, [i don't know], but if you guys are out there, have a happy new year! God bless you brothers! Hope all is well, you are in my prayers.
mike

Happy new years to everyone else as well!
 
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"and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith," Philippians 3:9

For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6

"being absolutely convinced that God would do what he had promised. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." Romans 4:21-22


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Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."


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