Confidence Towards GOD Most High
" Beloved, if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God." -I John 3:21 [KJV] A text misapplied, is like a bone out of joint, which puts the body to pain. This text may have such an effect upon the soul. For what poor sinner is there upon earth, but his heart must condemn him for coming short of God’s glory, and perfect obedience of His holy law? Must he therefore give up his confidence towards God? Yes, if we so understand the text. But surely this was not the apostle’s design: for this would effectually destroy love to God, and distress His poor children’s souls, by taking away the comfort of faith, that, “there is no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1.) What meaneth he then? Plainly to establish our hearts in the faith of God’s love to us in Christ, and from this love experienced in the heart, in love to our brethren in Christ. This is an experienced truth—if faith and love abate, our hearts condemn us, and our confidence