King JESUS Saves
"Our
gospel came not to you in
word
only, but also in power and
in
the Holy Ghost, and in much ASSURANCE"
-I
Thessalonians
1:5 [KJV]
Sin, salvation, death, judgment, eternity, though matters of the highest moment and utmost importance to us, yet we naturally think of them with little concern, speak of them with great indifference, and treat the consideration of them as Felix did Paul, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will send for thee" (Acts 24:25). And yet perhaps such have long sat under a preached gospel; hugely cry up and applaud the preacher, and are ready to condemn others who do not see and admire the excellency of the man.
But,
alas! what are the most excellent words of man without the power of
the Spirit? Light as air, ineffectual to soul-saving purposes, as
sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. The grand question is, Have I
inwardly known and felt the power of the gospel? Our gospel came UNTO
you not in word only, but in power. It has an internal voice: it
speaks glad tidings, good news of life and salvation to the very
soul: it is the word of power to quicken dead souls to life: it is a
revelation to the heart of pardon and peace by Jesus.
Thus
it brings the clearest evidence, the fullest assurance along with it,
that it is God's word of life and salvation. The Holy Ghost bears
witness to it, in power and demonstration. Blessed souls! who are
divinely assured of the truths of gospel-grace and love by Jesus; who
embrace the gospel as their only hope, and flee and cleave to Jesus
as their only refuge. But more blessed, yea most happy those
believing souls who are upon the delectable mountains, and enjoy much
assurance of their own personal interest in Jesus, and eternal life
through Him;
and by the Holy Ghost are enabled to say, 'I
know that Jesus loved me and died for me.'
O,
this privilege is most highly to be prized. It is worth pressing
after. This only can deliver the soul from all doubts and fears,
inflame it with the most ardent love, inspire it with the most holy
boldness, influence it
to the most cheerful obedience, resign it to afflictive allotments,
wing it with holy longings after Jesus and eternal glory; and make it
joyfully triumphant over the grim tyrant death; with “Thanks
be to God, which
giveth us THE VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ”
(I
Corinthians
15:57).
My Saviour God, my sov'reign Prince,
Reigns far above the skies;
But brings His graces down to sense,
And helps my faith to rise.
His word is truth, His pow'r is great,
From hence my comforts spring:
Assurance by the Holy Ghost
A heav'n on earth doth bring.
-excerpt from A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God (Vol. I), Wm Mason
My Saviour God, my sov'reign Prince,
Reigns far above the skies;
But brings His graces down to sense,
And helps my faith to rise.
His word is truth, His pow'r is great,
From hence my comforts spring:
Assurance by the Holy Ghost
A heav'n on earth doth bring.
-excerpt from A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God (Vol. I), Wm Mason
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