The Christian’s Cross

Powered

Search Truth According to Scripture website

COUNTERFEIT CROSS QUICK INDEX

CHAPTER FOUR
_________________________
The Christian's Cross

The cross is a symbol of love. A love that denies self, for which sake, if need be, is willing to suffer shame, persecution, and death. It is a cross that symbolizes a self-denying love for others. It symbolizes death to the flesh, and life in the Spirit, the fruit of which is love. Rev. 12:11 states, "And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."

True faith endures trials, hardships, tribulations, and persecutions for Christ’s sake. In contrast to this we have the "stony ground hearer" who immediately receives the word with gladness, but when tribulation or persecution arises for the words sake, immediately they stumble (Mark 4:17). They did not heed the words of Christ to "count the cost." They want the blessings without the trials. They refuse to take up their cross.

Trials and hardships have been the lot of the people of God from the beginning. As Paul says, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable" (1 Cor. 15:19). Some expound this passage by saying that we are most pitiable because we would remain in our sins, but to remain in our sins makes us no more pitiable than all other men. Paul illustrates the meaning quite clearly in 1 Cor. 15:32, "If in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat, and drink, for tomorrow we die!" Why suffer says Paul? If there is no future hope of a resurrection and life in the Kingdom of God, why deny ourselves the pleasures of the world and the flesh for it is all for naught and tomorrow we die! This is the heart of all faithless men. For they have no other hope but that which they can feel, touch, and experience in this earthly life. However, for those who walk by faith it is far otherwise, since we walk in the assurance that Christ has indeed risen. Matthew Henry writes:

All who believe in Christ have hope in him; all who believe in him as a Redeemer hope for redemption and salvation by him; but if there be no resurrection, or state of future recompense (which was intended by those who denied the resurrection at Corinth), their hope in him must be limited to this life: and, if all their hopes in Christ lie within the compass of this life, they are in a much worse condition than the rest of mankind, especially at that time, and under those circumstances, in which the apostles wrote; for then they had no countenance nor protection from the rulers of the world, but were hated and persecuted by all men. Preachers and private Christians therefore had a hard lot if in this life only they had hope in Christ. Better be anything than a Christian upon these terms; for in this world they are hated, and hunted, and abused, stripped of all worldly comforts and exposed to all manner of sufferings: they fare much harder than other men in this life, and yet have no further nor better hopes. And is it not absurd for one who believes in Christ to admit a principle that involves so absurd an inference? Can that man have faith in Christ who can believe concerning him that he will leave his faithful servants, whether ministers or others, in a worse state than his enemies? Note, It were a gross absurdity in a Christian to admit the supposition of no resurrection or future state. It would leave no hope beyond this world, and would frequently make his condition the worst in the world. Indeed, the Christian is by his religion crucified to this world, and taught to live upon the hope of another. Carnal pleasures are insipid to him in a great degree; and spiritual and heavenly pleasures are those which he affects and pants after. How sad is his case indeed, if he must be dead to worldly pleasures and yet never hope for any better!(1)

When speaking of those Old Testament saints, Hebrews 13:35 says,

"...Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth" (italics added).

And in Heb. 11:13,

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

It says of Moses that he chose:

"rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; (Why?) for he looked to the reward" (Heb. 11:26) (italics added).

Paul referring to the New Testament saints says:

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen" (1 Cor. 4:17).

We understand here that Paul sums up all of life as "a moment." Would you exchange "a moment" of carnal pleasures for pleasures forevermore at the right hand of the Father? (Ps. 16:11). For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? (Matt. 16:26) Our example is Jesus himself, "Who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). And so likewise we are told in Luke 14:27, that the Christian must endure the cross as well, and it is by the blessed hope of the promise that is set before us, in the Spirit, that we are enabled to do so. Again, Paul says in Gal. 2:20,

"I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

The believer consistently seeks that which pleases the Father above all earthly treasures and pleasures. It is the life of Christ that lives in him, and therefore he seeks to live to the glory of God rather than for himself. Although he may fail miserably at times, this is his mind-set. It is not the old man that lives, but the will of Christ that lives in him, thus making him a new man. "....and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again" (2 Cor. 5:15). Therefore, as he grows in the grace and knowledge of Christ, the believer becomes ever increasingly Christ-like in his character. All his actions, thoughts, and deeds, are being purified through the mind of Christ, as revealed in the Word of God.

True faith speaks in this way,

"For we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8) (italics added).

"For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven" (2 Cor. 5:2).

Paul is not speaking here of those who have reached to some higher state of spiritual maturity, but he says "we", we who are of the way, we Christians, we who believe. What is Paul saying but that the Christian is earnestly looking to the death of the body, preferring to be absent from it rather than remain in it. It is not because he has a desire to die, but rather it is because death is swallowed up by true life, and sin is swallowed up by righteousness. It is in death that we find our final deliverance from the temptation of our sin prone flesh and the wickedness of the world that so torments our existence. Even as it was with righteous Lot;

"…who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds (2 Pet. 2:7-8)

The death of the body is like taking off an old moth-eaten garment and putting on a new, far more glorious garment. And we look to that day with great eagerness.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20).

"For we who are in this tent [temporary dwelling place] groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee" (2 Cor. 5:5, 4) (italics added).

It is on that day when the child of God sees face to face the one who has been living in him, working in him, transforming him, and loving him.The whole of the Christian life is a preparation for that day when the body dies and we immediately come into the presence of our Lord.

"For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland ...now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Heb. 11:14-16) (italics added).

Naturally, unbelievers will see this as fanaticism. Paul was indeed a fanatic from the worlds perspective (Acts 26:24), as were all the disciples, even as their Master. This is the Christian hope continually spoken of in Scripture. These are not the statements of the double-minded, but those who are fully convinced of the promises of God. It is against all logic for one to be assured of the kingdom of God and yet not be able to say in his heart , "For me to die is gain." It is without question that this was the faith of the early Church and those who were martyred. Would it not seem foolish for one who believes to say, "I prefer this earthly life to that sinless life of love and perfection in the presence of God where there is no more sorrow and pain?" How many in the Church today are eagerly waiting for that day with the great anticipation that Scripture speaks of? Has faith changed or have we changed the meaning of faith? How many are groaning, earnestly desiring to be clothed with their habitation which is from heaven? How many truly say in their hearts, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." I believe it safe to say, relatively few. Paul says,

"For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you" (italics added).

The beauty of the tension here is Paul’s longing to be with Christ and his self-sacrificial love for the brethren. It exposes the heart of the cross and conformity to the law. Then in verse 22, his entire purpose for living "...If I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit for my labor." I have no other reason to live Paul says, but to labor for the sake of the kingdom.

When we consider the faith of those down through the ages that have been cruelly tortured and martyred for Christ, we come to understand biblical faith as resulting in a total disregard for the preciousness of life in this world. There is no greater testimony of a faith that generates certainty of the promises of God, commitment to Christ and His kingdom, than that of the Christian martyrs; The Apostles themselves being the first among them. To read of the early church martyrs and their tortures is not only a humbling experience, but one that enlightens and edifies the soul. Here is just an example as they are recorded in "Foxe’s Annals of Martyrs":

Nero even refined upon cruelty, and contrived all manner of punishments for the Christians that the most infernal imagination could design. In particular, he had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire, but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity ...Pliny the Second, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of Christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajan, certifying him that there were many thousands of them daily put to death, of which none did anything contrary to the Roman laws worthy of persecution. ‘The whole account they gave of their crime or error (whichever it is to be called) amounted only to this — that they were accustomed on a stated day to meet before daylight, and to repeat together a form of prayer to Christ as a God, and to bind themselves by an obligation — not indeed to commit wickedness; but, on the contrary — never to commit theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their word, never to defraud any man: after which it was their custom to separate, and reassemble to partake in common of a harmless meal’....The cruelties used in this persecution were such that many of the spectators shuddered with horror at the sight, and were astonished at the intrepidity of the sufferers. Some of the martyrs were obliged to pass, with their already wounded feet, over thorns, nails, sharp shells, etc. upon their points, others were scourged until their sinews and veins lay bare, and after suffering the most excruciating tortures that could be devised, they were destroyed by the most terrible deaths... Rhais had boiled pitch poured upon her head and was then burnt, as was Marcella her mother. Potainiena, the sister of Rhais, was executed in the same manner as Rhais had been; but Basilides, an officer belonging to the army, and ordered to attend her execution, became her convert. Basilides being, as an officer, required to take a certain oath, refused, saying, that he could not swear by the Roman idols, as he was a Christian. Struck with surprise, the people could not, at first believe what they heard; but he had no sooner confirmed the same than he was dragged before the judge, committed to prison, and speedily afterward beheaded....Trypho and Respicius, two eminent men, were seized as Christians, and imprisoned at Nice. Their feet were pierced with nails; they were dragged through the streets, scourged, torn with iron hooks, scorched with lighted torches, and at length beheaded....Most of the errors which crept into the Church at this time arose from placing human reason in competition with revelation; but the fallacy of such arguments being proved by the most able divines, the opinions they had created vanished away like the stars before the sun.... Racks, scourges, swords, daggers, crosses, poison, and famine, were made use of in various parts to dispatch the Christians; and invention was exhausted to devise tortures against such as had no crime, but thinking differently from the votaries of superstition....many were respited from execution, but, though they were not put to death, as much as possible was done to render their lives miserable, many of them having their ears cut off, their noses slit, their right eyes put out, their limbs rendered useless by dreadful dislocations, and their flesh seared in conspicuous places with red-hot irons(2) (italics added).

These are not myths handed down over the ages, but the true experiences typical of the Christians of that age; Men and women, flesh and blood, with nothing more than a simple faith in Christ. However, it is not the faith of the double-minded. It is not the faith of the "carnal Christian." Nor is it the faith of those who reject His lordship and refuse discipleship. It is faith as defined by Holy Scripture. The message of the Martyrs is not that true faith must necessarily result in being tortured or beaten for Christ’s sake, but we do discover a faith of unreserved commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and a faith void of all doubt as to the hope of the eternal kingdom of God. We notice that even the newest of converts were willing to die for their faith in Christ. It reflects the awesome power of the heart of faith wherein the Holy Spirit works by His might.

For Paul, the difficulty was not in dying for Christ, but in living for Him. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:25, gives us an overview of his Christian life:

"From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren, ; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness- besides the other things that come upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches."

Does not this description of Paul’s life give us a better understanding of the statement, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable" (1 Cor. 15:19). We do not come to Christ in hope of a better life in this world; in the flesh. We must understand that the joy of the Christian life is irrelevant to circumstance. The promise of joy is to all the children of God without exception. It is to the poor, the blind, the deaf, the maimed, the paralyzed, those with various sickness and disease. If the joy and hope of the Christian life were of this world, many would be excluded because of their circumstances. May it never be said of our blessed Lord that He would be so cruel that He would exclude those in the greatest of need, the comforts, and blessings of the Christian life. If a promise in Scripture does not fit the worst-case scenario, it is a misinterpretation of the text. Many will never find happiness as the world defines happiness, but the unspeakable joy of the Spirit is available to all. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh" (Matt. 6:21). But, "...Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep" (Matt. 6:25) "...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17).

If one were to preach the "faith gospel," the counterfeit gospel of health and wealth, that is so prevalent in the media, to the Apostle Paul, he would reject it as a most deplorable and damnable heresy. Those who teach such a gospel are not worthy to unlatch the Apostle Paul’s sandals, yet Paul says,

"To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor with our own hands. Being reviled we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now"(1 Cor. 4:11-13) (italics added).

What would these "faith teachers" say to Paul? "If only you had stronger faith you would not have to be suffering in this way; God wants you to live in the best houses, eat the best foods, and wear the best of clothes, for you are a child of the King." Would Paul not say of such men that they are,

"...men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, that suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Tim. 6:5-8)"

Again, Paul’s focus is not on this life, but on the kingdom to come. He tells us that since we can take nothing of this world with us into the world to come, then be content with whatever God has given you. Even with the bare necessities of life like food and clothing if need be, and seek after those things which can be taken with you; the fruit of your labor, those treasures which are stored up in heaven by holy and godly living, those things which are eternal.

The natural man will never understand the unspeakable joy of life in the Spirit for it is contrary to the natural man. Therefore, we find that it is carnal reasoning that is so often the root cause of many of the deceptions that find their way into the Church. It is that which is contrary to the Spirit of truth.

We hear preachers often say, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life," but how often do we hear, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22), and "Whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives" (Heb. 12:4). The word "scourge" in this passage is the same word used to describe the bloody beating that Jesus received at the hands of Pilate (Matt. 27:26). God scourges every son whom he receives, that is, every Christian. There can be no escape, for "...if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons" (Heb. 12:8). You are not Christians at all. Why is it that God chastens and scourges us? Because He loves His children, "...for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?" (Heb. 12:7) It is "For our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10). We find joy in this, in the Spirit, for without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

Prov. 13:24 says, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines promptly." We read in Prov. 23:13, "Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell." This is wholly contrary to our modern day conception of love. Many have the mistaken belief that a God of love would never beat His children with the rod of correction. Even much of the church has fallen prey to this fallacy. However, if man, as a sinful being, is to love his child enough to beat him with a rod, how much more so will a holy God be quick to chasten his children whom he loves with an everlasting love? "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it" (Heb. 12:11). We come to understand in these passages, that every believer will be scourged, will be partakers of His holiness, and will bear the fruit of righteousness. There can be no exceptions, for He loves all His children and shows no partiality.

James 1:2, 3 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance"(NASB) We count it all joy because it is endurance that is necessary that we might finish the fight of faith and receive the crown of life. "Chastisement is various in kind and degree. There are disease of body, distress of mind, the loss of property, injury of character, the profligacy of children, the faithlessness of friends, persecution for righteousness’ sake."(3) It can be brought about by our failure to judge ourselves. "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world" (1 Cor. 11:32). It is the Christian that is judged in this life, all the while storing up treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:20), whereas the unbeliever enjoys the cares, pleasures, and riches of this life, storing up wrath for the day of wrath (Rom. 2:5). Therefore we are told in Scripture, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off" (Prov. 23:17). The Bible never denies the fact that sin is pleasurable to the flesh, but here again we see the promise of the hereafter as motivating us to be zealous of the Lord while putting aside the pleasures of this world. William Law writes:

As to the death of Christ, the condition is this: ‘If we be dead with Christ, ’ we believe that ‘we shall also live with him.’ (2 Tim. 2:11) If therefore Christ be dead alone, if we are not dead with Him, we are as sure, from this Scripture, that we shall not live with Him. Lastly, as to the Resurrection of Christ, the Scripture showeth us how we are to partake of the benefit of it: ‘If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ (Col. 3:1) Thus you see how plainly the Scripture sets forth our Blessed Lord as our Representative, acting and suffering in our name, binding and obliging us to conform to all that he did and suffered for us. It was for this reason that the Holy Jesus said of His disciples, and in them of all true believers, ‘They are not of this world, as I am not of this world.’ (John 17:14) Because all true believers, conforming to the sufferings, Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, live no longer after the spirit and temper of this world, but their life is hid with Christ in God. This is the state of separation from the world, to which all orders of Christians are called. They must so far renounce all worldly tempers, be so far governed by the things of another life, as to show that they are truly and really crucified, dead, and risen, with Christ. And it is as necessary for all Christians to conform to this great change of spirit, to be thus in Christ new creatures, as it was necessary that Christ should suffer, die, and rise again, for our salvation. How high the Christian life is placed above the ways of this world, is wonderfully described by St. Paul, in these words: ‘Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet henceforth know we Him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2 Cor. 5:16, 17) He that feels the force and spirit of these words, can hardly bear any human interpretation of them. Henceforth, says he, that is, since the Death and Resurrection of Christ, the state of Christianity is become so glorious a state, that we do not even consider Christ Himself as in the flesh upon earth, but as a God of glory in Heaven; we know and consider ourselves not as men in the flesh, but as fellow-members of a new society, that are to have all our hearts, our tempers, and conversation, in Heaven. (4)

Paul says,

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18).

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).

Are we suffering persecution for Christ’s sake? Then we are to rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is our reward in heaven (Matt. 5:12). We have received one of the great blessings that God bestows upon man. "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for Christ’s sake" (Phil. 1:29).

Who are the blessed in this life? We find them in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-48). Although each blessing is received in this life by faith, the context reveals that the fulfillment of the promise is yet future.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit" Why? Because they will have a wonderful life in the flesh in this world? No, because "...theirs is the kingdom of God."

"Blessed are those who mourn" Why? "Because they shall be comforted."

"Blessed are the meek," Here Jesus quotes Psalm 37:11 where "earth" is rendered "land." They shall inherit the land, the land of Canaan, a type of heaven. So that all the blessedness of heaven above, and all the blessings of earth beneath, are the portion of the meek. (Matthew Henry)

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." When? When they are glorified with the full restoration of the image of God.

"Blessed are the merciful" Why? "For they shall obtain mercy." When? At the judgment.

"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God" When? In the future kingdom.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake" Why? "For theirs is the kingdom of God"

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad" Why? Because great is your reward on earth? No, "Because great is your reward in heaven." We see then, that our great joy is not in what the world would call joy, but it is in the blessed hope, that hope which is by faith.

The Scriptures tell us that the Christian life is one of great joy. However, where there is no certainty of the hope that is set before us, there is no real joy. Therefore, if we do not have the substance of the things hoped for and the evidence of the things not seen, we have no faith, we have no joy, and we have no hope.

Jesus exhorts us in Matt. 6:19-21,

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Where is our heart? Is it in heaven? How do we know that we are laying up treasures in heaven? It is by those deeds that are done in faith, with the pure motive of glorifying God and love for our neighbor, furthering the cause and purpose of Christ and His kingdom. So then, the Father who sees in secret will then reward us openly (Matt. 6:4). However, the deeds done with selfish ambition, in order that we might receive a "pat on the back" and the praises of men, is to lay up treasures on earth, receiving our reward in this life (Matt. 6:1-18). So then, the deeds done in the Spirit, by faith, are heavenly treasures, the deeds done in the flesh, by sight, are earthly. Matthew Henry writes:

Good counsel, to make the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen that are eternal, our best things, and to place our happiness in them. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Note,

(1.)There are treasures in heaven, as sure as there are on this earth; and those in heaven are the only true treasures, the riches and glories and pleasures that are at God's right hand, which those that are sanctified truly arrive at, when they come to be sanctified perfectly.

(2.) It is our wisdom to lay up our treasure in those treasures; to give all diligence to make sure our title to eternal life through Jesus Christ, and to depend upon that as our happiness, and look upon all things here below with a holy contempt, as not worthy to be compared with it. We must firmly believe there is such a happiness, and resolve to be content with that, and to be content with nothing short of it. If we thus make those treasures ours, they are laid up, and we may trust God to keep them safe for us; ...

(3.)...It is a happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance incorruptible.

(4.) A good reason why we should thus choose, and an evidence that we have done so (v. 21), where your treasure is, on earth or in heaven, there will your heart be. We are therefore concerned to be right and wise in the choice of our treasure, because the temper of our minds, and consequently the tenor of our lives, will be accordingly either carnal or spiritual, earthly or heavenly. The heart follows the treasure, as the needle follows the loadstone, or the sunflower the sun. Where the treasure is there the value and esteem are, there the love and affection are (Col 3:2), that way the desires and pursuits go, thitherward the aims and intents are levelled, and all is done with that in view. Where the treasure is, there our cares and fears are, lest we come short of it; about that we are most solicitous; there our hope and trust are (Prov 18:10,11); there our joys and delights will be (Ps 119:111); and there our thoughts will be....The heart is God's due (Prov 23:26), and that he may have it, our treasure must be laid up with him, and then our souls will be lifted up to him...if we have done these only to gain the applause of men, we have laid up this treasure on earth, have lodged it in the hands of men, and must never expect to hear any further of it. But if we have prayed and fasted and given alms in truth and uprightness, with an eye to God and to his acceptance, and have approved ourselves to him therein, we have laid up that treasure in heaven; a book of remembrance is written there (Mal 3:16), and being there recorded, they shall be there rewarded, and we shall meet them again with comfort on the other side of death and the grave. Hypocrites are written in the earth (Jer. 17:13), but God's faithful ones have their names written in heaven, Luke 10:20. Acceptance with God is treasure in heaven, which can neither be corrupted nor stolen. His "well done" shall stand for ever; and if we have thus laid up our treasure with him, with him our hearts will be; and where can they be better?(5)

Jonathan Edwards writes:

Be directed to sacrifice everything to your soul’s eternal interest. Let seeking this be so much your bent, and what you are so resolved in, that you make everything give place to it. Let nothing stand before your resolution of seeking the kingdom of God. Whatever you used to look upon as a convenience, or comfort, or ease, or thing desirable on any account, if it stands in the way of this great concern, let it be dismissed without hesitation; and if it be of that nature that it is likely always to be a hindrance, then wholly have done with it, and never entertain any expectation from it more. If in time past you have, for the sake of worldly gain, involved yourself with more care and business than you find to be consistent with your being so through in the business of religion as you ought to be, then get into some other way, though you suffer in your worldly interest by it. Or if you have been heretofore conversant with company that you have reason to think have been and will be a snare to you, and a hindrance to this great design in any wise, break off from their society, however it may expose you to reproach from your old companions, or let what will be the effect of it. Whatever it be that stands in the way of your most advantageously seeking salvation- whether it be some dear sinful pleasure, or strong carnal appetite, or credit and honor, or the goodwill of some persons whose friendship you desire, and whose esteem and liking you have highly valued- and though there be danger, if you do as you ought, that you should be looked upon by them as odd and ridiculous, and become contemptible in their eyes- or if it be your ease and indolence, and aversion to continual labor; or your outward convenience in any respect, whereby you might avoid difficulties of one kind or other- let all go. Offer all such things together, as it were, in one sacrifice, to the interest of your soul. Let nothing stand in competition with this, but make everything to fall before it. If the flesh must be crossed, then cross it, spare it not, crucify it, and do not be afraid to be to cruel to it. Gal. 5:24. ‘They that are Christ’s, have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts.’ Have no dependence on any worldly enjoyment whatsoever. Let salvation be the one thing with you. This is certainly what is required of you: and this is what many stick at; this giving up other things for salvation, is a stumbling-block that few get over(6) (italics added).

2. John Foxe “Foxe’s Annals of Martyrs” Inspirational Promotions; Ontario, Canada

3. The Pulpit Commentary, Edited by Spence and Exell

4. William Law, A Serious Call To A Devout And Holy Life (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1977).

6. Jonathan Edwards, Knowing Christ, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, reprinted 1993) p.92

Comment Script

Comments


Name

E-mail (Will not appear online)

Homepage

Title

Comment


To prevent automated Bots form spamming, please enter the text you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.

This comment form is powered by GentleSource Comment Script. It can be included in PHP or HTML files and allows visitors to leave comments on the website.

Site Map | Home | Top of Page

© 2008 Truth According to Scripture

Pop-up verses - The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Quotation information. Purchase an ESV. Comments? webmaster@gnpcb.org. Audio problems? Update Flash or try MP3s. Audio read by Max McLean. Copyright© Fellowship for the Performing Arts.