"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

One of the declarations that Christ made by His Resurrection was how He completely satisfied the Covenant of Grace in His death on the Cross. He declared in His resurrection that He had completely “…put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself”   -Hebrews 9:26 . This payment for sin was so successful, so complete, and so effective, that He came forth from the tomb victorious. By His resurrection, Christ declared that He was so successful in His work on the Cross, that the sin debt was paid in full, as He cried, “It is finished” -John 19:30 . These three words are translated from one Greek word. That word means, “concluding an action, discharging a debt.” He said the work of salvation was fully accomplished , not just possible. To me, it is very interesting that the religious Christian world would even consider celebrating the resurrection of Christ, since He (in their theology) is such an absolutely unsuccessful savior. They contend, “He loved everybody. He died f...

As the resurrection of the Messiah from the dead was predicted by the prophets, so the very time thereof was fixed by them. Hence the writers of the New Testament, as they declare that Christ rose from the dead, according to the scriptures of the Old Testament, so they likewise declare, that He rose from the dead the third day, (I Corinthians 15:4) which scriptures referred to. These scriptures are not merely some typical predictions of the Old Testament, as that of Isaac’s deliverance on the third day, after he had been given up to death by his father, Genesis 22:4 ; and that of Jonah’s being three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, Jonah 1:17 compared with Matthew 12:40 ; though undoubtedly reference is made to them; but to a real prophecy, which in its literal and obvious sense is to be understood of this affair.    The prophecy I have in view is Hosea 6:2 . After two days He will revive us, in the third day He will raise us up; and we shall live in...

"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." -I John 1:7 [KJV] The walk of many professors seems to speak this language: Why cannot we love the world, indulge ourselves in the ways of it, and yet enjoy fellowship with God? Now we have clear notions of the doctrines of grace—of acceptance with God, and justification before Him, why need we be so very precise in our conduct? This seems as though they were desirous to walk as near as possible to the very borders of hell, and yet hope to get safe to heaven at last. Such walk not in the light of truth—in the comfort of love—in fellowship with God. (1st.) What is fellowship with God? It is a sweet, heart-felt concord, harmony, and agreement between God and our souls; a mutual communion of spirits; a free communication from the Lord to us, and from us to the Lord:—just as two loving friends have between each othe...

"I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me." -Song of Solomon 8:2 [KJV] My soul! hast thou ever noticed the peculiar beauties of this scripture? if not, make it the subject of this evening's meditation; it will amply recompense thine attention. The church is here in great liveliness, and actings of faith upon the person of her Lord; indeed, so much so, that we do not find any thing like this holy familiarity, used by the church towards her Lord, in any other part of the bible. It is the well-known office of Jesus, to lead His people, and to draw them to Himself. God the Father hath given Him for this blessed purpose, as "a Leader and Commander to His people."   -Isaiah 55:4 And Jesus Himself declared, that "if He was lifted up, He would draw all to Himself."   -John 12:32   But here, it is the church leading Christ. Pause, my soul. Dost thou know any thing of this, or like it, in thine own experien...

"Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." -John 15:8 [KJV] The bearing of much fruit not only brings glory to God, but proves such rich fruit-bearers to be genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus. Now, though there is no merit in their bearing fruit, they sometimes get comfort from it, as proving an abiding union with Christ. "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."  There is no maintaining of holy confidence in the soul but by walking in godly obedience; nor can there be any true spiritual communion with God whilst the guilt of disobedience lies hard and heavy on the conscience. To make straight paths for our feet; to walk in the fear of God; to live to His glory, are not only sweet tests of genuine discipleship, but faith, hope, and love cannot be maintained without them. And yet if we know anything of what gospel fruit is,...