Today, while reading through Jerry Bridges' Pursuit of Holiness, I came across this quote from Mr. Walter Marshall from the year 1692. I thought you all would find this very interesting, and maybe even a little convicting:
"What a strange kind of salvation do they desire that care not for holiness... They would be saved by Christ and yet be out of Christ in a fleshly state... They would have their sins forgiven, not that they may walk with God in love, in time to come, but that they may practice their enmity against Him without any fear of punishment."
When I read this quote this morning, I soon thought of a passage of Scripture I learned a while ago that reads: "And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and it’s desires." (Galatians 5:24) [Emphasis mine.]
As is implied in that verse, those who are truly Christ’s will follow Him. The reverse is true, too. Those who claim to be Christ’s and yet do not obey Him are not truly His. After all, what does the word Christian mean? It means "Christ follower," literally.
In conclusion, then, let us who claim to be His, truly follow Him in all things no matter the cost. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21
2 comments:
Thank you very much for the insight and reminder of our duty as Christ-followers. We actually saw Jerry Bridges speak a while ago at a church, and were very inspired by his message. I should read some of his works at some point… Merry Christmas!
Camille,
So far Mr. Bridges' book Pursuit of Holiness is definitely one I'd recommend (although I don't yet recommend it since I haven't read all the way through it!). His writings so far are along the lines of J.C. Ryle, and are quite challenging, convicting, and encouraging.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Caleb Kautt
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