A PREACHER of the gospel called to see an old Scotch lady who had been a constant attendant at some meetings that he had held. She spoke of the pleasure and profit she had derived. “But for a’ that,” she added, “I’ll nae give up my sanctifeein’ doots!”
Evidently she imagined that her doubts helped to keep her humble and promoted her sanctification. In this she is by no means alone. There are many who seem to think that there is some virtue in entertaining fears as to their salvation, even though they be true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. To be certain in their security, would, in their opinion, be a mark of spiritual conceit; to speak with assurance of their acceptance with God would be the most unwarrantable presumption.
In dealing with certain men it is perhaps wise to be not too sanguine as to the fulfilment of mere promises. It is often necessary to bind the parties to an agreement by written documents, couched in language of unmistakable clearness.
But in dealing with a person of proved integrity, who has gained the respect and confidence of all who know him, and of whom it is currently said that, “his word is as good as his bond,” we should have no misgivings. And if, in addition to his word, he were to give us a written undertaking, duly signed, promising to do a certain thing, surely we should have every ground for complete confidence. We should have no hesitation in speaking with perfect assurance as to the engagement being carried out.
Would this be presumption on our part? Would it be taking any credit to ourselves? Should we be better advised were we still to entertain doubt as to whether our friend would fulfill the obligation into which he had entered?
May it not be truly said that to mistrust a man of unimpeachable honor when he gives his word is to cast a slur upon him, and that to doubt a statement that is set forth in writing, above his signature, is presumptuous folly?
“Sanctifying doubts” forsooth! With whom is it that we have to do? With an unreliable person who will take advantage of any quibble in order to evade the fulfilment of his promise? No, indeed. The God upon whose word we are invited to rely is One who cannot lie. His desire is for our eternal good. He came in the Person of His Son to seek and save the lost, thus proving His longing wish to have us happy in His presence forever. The way He has taken to secure our blessing, the way of the cross, will be the wonder-inspiring theme of the redemption song.
Can anyone doubt, in view of love that has manifested itself thus, that God desires to have us at perfect peace with Himself?
Then where is the difficulty when He assures us that believing in Christ we are freely forgiven, justified from all things, made heirs of eternal life and children of God? May we not rest with assurance upon His plain, unmistakable Word? Is it reasonable that we should hug our doubts, imagining that they have a “sanctifying” effect upon our hearts, whereas in reality they are an insult to our God?
R. W.