"Follow
after righteousness."
-I
TIMOTHY 6:11 [KJV]
We
may understand two things by this expression. First, the discovery to
the conscience of Christ's imputed righteousness, in the way of
justification; and secondly, the communication to the soul of a
divine or righteous nature, whereby it brings forth the fruits of
sincerity and uprightness before God. Both are to be followed after.
But it may be asked, Why the first, if a man has a knowledge of his
justification, and a sense of his acceptance with God? But may not a
sense of interest in Jesus' glorious righteousness, and the inward
testimony of the Spirit be lost in the enjoyment of them, or at least
considerably diminished, for a time? We read [LUKE
15:8] of the
woman who lost a piece of silver. Was there not a lighting of the
candle, a sweeping of the house, and a diligent search into every
corner till it was found again? The woman's piece of money was not
really lost; it was still in the house; but as to her feelings, it
was as much lost as though she were never to receive it again into
her possession.
So
a sense of acceptance and justification by Christ's righteousness,
this precious coin from heaven's mint may be lost for a time in
feeling, though not really lost out of the heart. And what will the
soul do that has lost it but diligently search the house in every
corner, by the candle of the Spirit, till it find the piece of money
again?
-Gospel
report by preacher J.C. Philpot (1802-1869
A.D.)
June
12th, EARS FROM HARVESTED SHEAVES
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