Have No Confidence in the Flesh

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh." -John 3:6 [KJV]

To learn the total corruption and desperate wickedness of human nature, is a hard lesson to flesh and blood. To have no confidence in the flesh; to consider ourselves upon a level with the very worst and vilest of sinners; yea, with the very devils, in point of hope of salvation in ourselves, is mortifying to our natural pride, and contrary to our carnal reason. “But the LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth” (Isaiah 23:9.) 

He hath effectually done this, by appearing in our nature, and by the doctrines which he taught. All flesh has become so totally corrupt and abominable in the sight of God, so hopeless and helpless, that nothing but the coming of the Son of God could bring salvation to us. He became the Son of man, that He might seek and save them that are lost. He seeks us, before we seek Him. He saves us, before we look for salvation from Him. He comes to us, by His word and Spirit, and says, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh”—The flesh profiteth nothing to salvation.

They that are in the flesh cannot please God.— There is no good thing in the flesh: therefore, no good thing can proceed from it. No man, unless born again out of corrupt nature; born again of the Spirit, can see the kingdom of God. O soul! consider, in order to raise love and gratitude, (1st.) That salvation is a work quite out of nature: that the flesh has not the least hand in it, nor contributes the least mite towards it: nay, it is totally averse to salvation by the blood and righteousness of the Son of God. 

(2d.) That the Son of God did not come into the world to purchase grace, and put it into the hands of nature, to make our flesh holy, righteous, and good, (as some foolishly talk) that so we might be saved. But He saves us out of nature. He gives us a new birth, into Himself, by His Spirit. He leaves the flesh as He found it, vile and sinful, no good thing in it, that it might be mortified by the Spirit: yea, crucified, as accursed and devoted to death and destruction, because of the sin which dwelleth in it. 

(3d.) Art thou born again of the Spirit, so as to believe in Christ for salvation? Beware of having the least confidence in the flesh; aim not to make any shew in the flesh: this ministers to the pride and righteousness of the flesh. Know thy flesh, with its corruptions and lusts, as an enemy to thy Saviour, and to the peace and holiness of thy soul. Treat it as such: keep it low daily. 

Lastly, See all thy righteousness and perfection in the Son of God. Glory only in Him and of Him. Look on thyself, though ever so vile, yet shining more gloriously in the sight of God, in the glorious robe, and glittering garments of Him Who is “the LORD our righteousness.”

 

-preacher Wm. Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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