I ADMIT THAT IT IS A BOLD THING for a sinner to say: "I know that my sins are all forgiven. I know that I have Eternal Life. I know that I am saved." Is it, then, blasphemy to make these positive assertions? Can my reader himself say with certainty of these eternal issues, "I know"?
One Sunday evening in camp when these blessed Truths were being denied in a public discussion, a Christian man stood up and made the positive statement that he knew these things for himself, and further he stated that the Lord means us to know, for the Bible says: "These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have Eternal Life" (1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)). The bell for evening roll call began to ring at that moment, and as we walked out of the Dining Room to go to our beds, one business man was heard to remark: "I would give all I possess to be able to say that." Reader, can you say, I KNOW?
But perhaps you ask, how can I know?
There was a day when a wicked woman came to the Lord Jesus. Read the whole story in the seventh chapter of Luke's Gospel. The Lord said about her, in her hearing: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven." Then, addressing her, He said: "Thy sins are forgiven... Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace." I ask you, Did that woman know, as she went home, that her sins were forgiven? Did she know she was saved? If she believed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ she could not fail to know these things for certain. In just the same way, you, my reader, may know for certain that your sins are all forgiven, that you have Eternal Life. It is the precious blood of Christ which atoned for your sins; and it is the Word of God that makes you know they are gone.
Once Naaman the Syrian said proudly: "I thought...." (2 Kings 5:1111But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. (2 Kings 5:11)). There are crowds today who are perfectly satisfied with their own thoughts. But a little later Naaman humbled himself, and submitted to God's way of cleansing; and then, with humble, glowing heart he cries: "Behold, Now I know...." (verse 15).
But time would fail me to tell of all the saints of Old and New Testaments who bore witness, crying: "I know...”
The Apostle John loved to repeat those words: "I know," or "we know". "We know that we have passed from death unto life" (1 John 3:1414We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (1 John 3:14)). "We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)). "I write unto you... that ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)). But read the whole of the First Epistle of John, and I do not think you will ever again doubt that we may know these blessed Truths of God.
It may be the fashion in these days to think, or to hope. It may sound humble to call it blasphemy to say "I know that I have Eternal Life." If that is so, all the apostles were blasphemers. Would not the Lord say to such leaders today, as He once said to similar ones: "Ye therefore do greatly err," "Because ye know not the Scriptures"?
But perhaps you still ask: "How can / know, for myself?" You can know by just casting yourself unreservedly on the bare Word of God, with nothing added to it, or taken from it. Take one of Christ's own precious promises. Take any you wish: Say, John 6:4747Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47), for this has Christ's own lovely guarantee before it: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." Christ does not promise you will feel you have it, but He does promise you have it, if you believe on Him. For example, I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. I ask you, Have I everlasting life, or have I not? Christ Himself answers, with a "Verily, verily" in front of that answer, and He says I have everlasting life. Is it blasphemy to say, "I thank Thee, Lord Jesus, I believe Thy Word. I have everlasting life." Is it not, rather, blasphemy to refuse to believe Christ's own plain words? Of such persons God says they make Him a liar, and again: "The... unbelieving... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:88But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)).
But before the great question arose as to the certain knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, and the assurance of salvation, one Sunday morning one of the speakers made a slighting remark during the service concerning the Old Testament. I went to him afterward, and warned him that should such a thing occur again, I could not again go to hear him speak. He was a man to whom I was very much drawn. I hoped that he really knew what it was to be born again; and it pained me very much that he should speak as he had done. The following Sunday morning he spoke even more slightingly than he had done the previous week, again making light of the truth of the Old Testament. Whether he had taken my warning as a challenge, or whether without even realizing what he was doing, he spoke as he did, I cannot say; but such was the case. I went to him immediately after the service, and told him that I could not again listen to him. He seemed greatly surprised, and told me that someone had just remarked that surely his sermon was inspired. I nearly replied that I thought so, too, but of the devil: but it seemed useless to discuss the matter further. We do well to remember that it was the devil himself who cast the first slur or doubt on the Word of God; and he has been doing this same work ever since. (Gen. 3:11Now the serpent was more subtile than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1)). "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:77Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)). Never, never, reason or argue with him: he is far too clever for you or me. Resist him, and he will flee.
What a comfort it is to remember that, "The Lord knoweth them that are His." It is not for us to pass judgment as to whether or not such an one belongs to the Lord. Our responsibility is clearly pointed out in the clause that follows: "Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ, depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)). These two sayings make up God's "seal". On one side is God's unfailing knowledge of each: "The Lord knoweth them that are His"; and on the other side my path is made clear to me, "Depart from iniquity." This was what we sought to do as we now cut all connections with the "church" and its services.
We do well to ponder the attitude of our Lord Jesus Christ towards the Old Testament. If you will read the Gospels, you will see that He ever and always accredited the whole Old Testament as being the very Word of God. He believed it all. But more than that, He always acknowledged the authority of the Word of God, as found in the whole Old Testament, as well as its truth. See how He bowed to it in the temptations. His answer to the devil in every case was: "It is written", and in every case He was victorious.
Note, also, what He says of the writings of Moses, which are so much denied today: "Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:46-4746For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:46‑47)). Or, again, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:3131And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:31)). With such Scriptures before us, I do not see how any person who refuses to believe the Books of Moses (the first five books of the Old Testament), has any right whatever to call himself a Christian, or to say he believes in the Lord Jesus. Would you consider I believe in you, trust you, if I refuse to believe what you say, and scoff at the truth of the statements you make? If no mere man would tolerate such hypocrisy, do you suppose the Lord Jesus Christ will do so? I cannot see that any man who denies the truth of any statement in the Books of Moses has any right to ask me to acknowledge him as a Christian. God knows whether or not such an one is "His", but he is not acting as a believer.
But the Old Testament loves to bear witness to itself. Do we read in Shakespeare or Milton: "Thus saith the LORD"? Do these writers claim that their words are the very words of the Living God? But such is the claim of the Old Testament, time and again. "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth forever" (Psa. 119:160160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. (Psalm 119:160)). A verse that has strengthened my heart many times against the attacks of the enemy is Psa. 12, verses 6 and 7, the margin: "The Words of the Lord are pure Words... Thou shalt preserve every one of them from this generation forever.”
Before we leave those early days in camp, that aroused such bitter hostility, it might be well to ask a few questions. And it is well to remember that the Word of God alone has the right to give an answer.
First: Was it wrong to preach the Law as a means of becoming just before God?
Second: Was it not right to give good advice from the pulpit to non-Christians as to a good manner of life?
Just as useless as giving good advice to the corpses in a cemetery. The Bible says: "You... were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:11And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1)). It is not reformation that is required, but regeneration. The Lord Jesus says: "Ye must be born again" (John 3:77Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7)).
Third: Did those six men, who claimed authority, truly have the authority of the Word of God to take control of the things of God in the camp?
Had they, and we, been Jews, two thousand years ago, they might have found some authority for their claims in the Bible: but now we profess to be Christians, so must turn to the New Testament for direction as to Christian behavior. As far as I am aware, there is not a single word in the whole New Testament to give them a particle of authority for the authority they assumed. We do read of one man named Diotrephes in the Third Epistle of John who assumed a similar position, and the Holy Spirit condemns him in the strongest language, adding: "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.”
In this connection some readers will be interested in the following words from Bishop Lightfoot (The Christian Ministry), words that were entirely approved by Bishop Westcott: "... It became necessary to appoint special officers. But the priestly functions and privileges of the Christian people are never regarded as transferred or even delegated to these officers. They are called stewards or messengers of God, servants or ministers of the Church, and the like: but the sacerdotal title is never once conferred upon them. The only priests under the Gospel, designated as such in the New Testament, are the saints, the members of the Christian brotherhood. (1 Peter 2:5-95Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:5‑9). Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:66And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6)
10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10)
6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6).)
“As individuals, all Christians are priests alike. As members of a corporation, they have their several and distinct offices. 'The similitude of the human body, where each limb or organ performs its own functions, and the health and growth of the whole frame are promoted by the harmonious but separate working of every part, was chosen by St. Paul to represent the progress and operation of the Church. In two passages, written at two different stages in his apostolic career, he briefly sums up the offices in the Church with reference to this image. (1 Cor. 12:2828And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28); Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11).)... In both alike there is an entire silence about priestly functions: for the most exalted office in the Church, the highest gift of the Spirit, conveyed no sacerdotal right which was not enjoyed by the humblest member of the Christian community.”
Fourth: Does the Word of God, in the present time, not make two classes, the clergy and the laity?
Indeed it does not, as the quotation above clearly states. On the contrary, the New Testament teaches in the clearest possible manner that now every true believer is a priest, and may come boldly into God's presence through the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:1919Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19)). All true Christians now belong to a "Royal Priesthood" (1 Peter 2:99But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9)). "Jesus Christ... hath made us kings and priests unto God "The Night Hawkes”
(Mr. Grant standing in the center)
It is true, that Christ has given various gifts to His servants as it has pleased Him, but the weakest believer has a right to enter the Holiest with boldness by the blood of Jesus: and the oldest and most advanced, has no more privileged position. I have little doubt that the doctrine and the deeds of the Nicolaitans, (meaning, "prevailing over the people, or laity", Rev. 2:6; 156But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)), refers to this same evil practice of which we have seen Diotrephes was the forerunner. Christ says of these "which I also hate.”
The idea of a priest, clergyman, minister (or whatever name you may use), to come between God and the people, completely undermines the authority of the Holy Spirit, and of Christ in the midst of His own as promised in the twentieth verse of the eighteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel; and as set forth in the Epistle to the Corinthians. There we read: "If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted" (1 Cor. 14:30, 3130If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Corinthians 14:30‑31)). Let me ask, How could this be carried out with a priest, or clergyman? As you know, it would be quite impossible.
What about the use of robes and vestments to preach the Gospel. Did the Apostles use these? Did the early churches of the New Testament set up choirs and instrumental music?
We seek in vain in the New Testament for any such outward and fleshly attractions. These things are borrowed from Judaism or heathenism. As far as the teaching of the Word of God is concerned they have absolutely no place today in true Christianity. They are like the "days" that were "kept", which the Holy Spirit calls, "weak and beggarly elements." (Literal translation: poverty-stricken principles) (Gal. 4:99But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (Galatians 4:9)). The Lord treats all such things with utter contempt. God is now seeking worshippers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:2323But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (John 4:23)).
Have these men God's authority for calling themselves "Father", or "Reverend", or some such title?
On the contrary, the Scriptures say definitely, "Call no man your father upon the earth" (Matt. 23:99And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)). The reading of the Greek text of this passage (Nestle's New Testament) is most instructive. It reads: "Be not ye called Rabbi, (Rabbi means, Teacher), for One is your teacher, but all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon earth: for one is your Father, the heavenly. Neither be ye called leaders: because one is your leader, the Christ.”
Notice: We have the heavenly Father for our Father.
We have Christ for our Leader.
Whom do we have for our Teacher?
In this passage the Lord does not tell us Who the great Teacher was to be, but it was only a few days later that to His disciples, when they were alone, He revealed the secret, saying: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things" (John 14:2626But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)).
So we find the three Persons of the Trinity engaged in caring for us, Father, Leader, Teacher. And no person on earth has any right to usurp these titles. "Holy and reverend is His Name", sings the Psalmist (Psa. 111:99He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. (Psalm 111:9)), yet how many delight to put the "Reverend" in front of their own names! As a spiritually minded man, who has man's authority to use this title, remarked the other day: "What an abominable title it is!”
Perhaps some reader asks in bewilderment, What am I to do? Where am I to go? The disciples once asked a very similar question: "Where wilt THOU that we prepare (the Passover)?" That was the last true Passover, and the first observance of the Lord's Supper. The Lord replied: "Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shalt a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber (The Greek of Mark 14:1414And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? (Mark 14:14), reads: My guestchamber), where I shall eat the passover with My disciples? And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready" (Luke 22:9-129And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. (Luke 22:9‑12)). Is this not a parable for you and for me, if only we have eyes to see it? Are we wrong in supposing that,
The man with the pitcher of water represents the Holy Spirit.
The water represents the Word of God.
The pitcher represents the vessel, or person, used to carry that Word.
The large room tells us there is room for all.
The upper room tells us it was separated from the world and its ways.
The furnished room tells us that everything needful was found there.
The basin (the only "furniture" mentioned by name), tells us of the need of cleansing from the defilements of the way when we enter that holy place.
THE PLACE OF BLESSING
Outside the camp with Thee
Jesus! my place shall be,
While here below:
Honor beyond compare
Thine own reproach to bear,
And Thy rejection share,
Thy Cross to know.
How shall I praise the grace,
Which in this blessed place
Has set my feet?
Here, where the Spirit's word
Unhindered may be heard,
And by one Presence stirred,
Gathered, we meet.
Yet, let me ever be,
Careful to walk with Thee,
In holy fear:
Oh! let my feet unshod,
Tread softly, lest the rod
Speak of a present God
In judgment near.
Yes! this Thy people know,
And gladly have it so,
Thrice blest are we:
Walking in heavenly light,
Full in Thy holy sight
Outside the world's dark night,
Outside with Thee.
(Author unknown)