Grace Gems

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To help your conception of what hell is

(Jonathan Edwards)

    "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn--and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire!" Matthew 3:12

    "They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!" Matthew 13:42

    "Then He will say to those on the left--Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!" Matthew 25:41

    "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell--where the fire never goes out!" Mark 9:43

    "He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!" Luke 3:17

    "I am in agony in this fire!" Luke 16:24

    "Those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire!" Jude 1:7

    To help your conception of what hell is--imagine yourself to be cast into a fiery oven--or into the midst of a great furnace, where your pain would be as much greater than that occasioned by accidentally touching a coal of fire--as the heat is greater. Imagine also, that your body were to lie there for a quarter of an hour, full of fire, as full as a bright coal of fire, all the while full of quick sense. What horror would you feel at the entrance of such a furnace! And how long would that quarter of an hour seem to you! If it were to be measured by the hour-glass, how long would the glass seem to be running! And after you had endured it for one minute, how unbearable would it be to you--to think that you had yet to endure the other fourteen minutes!

    But what would be the effect on your soul--if you knew you must lie there enduring that torment to the full--for twenty-four hours! And how much greater would be the effect--if you knew you must endure it for a whole year! And how vastly greater still--if you knew you must endure it for a thousand years! O then, how would your heart sink, if you thought, if you knew--that you must bear it forever and ever! That there would be no end--that after millions of millions of ages, your torment would be no nearer to an end, than it ever was; and that you would never, never be delivered!

    But your torment in Hell will be immeasurably greater than this illustration represents! How then will the heart of a poor creature sink under it! How utterly inexpressible and inconceivable, must the sinking of the soul be in such a case!

    "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire!" Revelation 20:15


    "Such, in brief, is the portion awaiting the lost--
      eternal separation from the Fount of all goodness;
      everlasting punishment;
      torment of soul and body;
      endless existence in the Lake of Fire,
      in association with the vilest of the vile;
      every ray of hope excluded;
      utterly crushed and overwhelmed by
        the wrath of a sin-avenging God!"
     (Arthur Pink, "Eternal Punishment")

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What is most needed today

(Arthur Pink, "Eternal Punishment")

It is the deepening conviction of the writer,
that what is most needed today, is a wide
proclamation of those truths which are the
least acceptable to the flesh.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting
forth of the character of God--
  His absolute sovereignty,
  His ineffable holiness,
  His inflexible justice,
  His unchanging veracity.

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting
forth of the condition of the natural man--
  his total depravity,
  his spiritual insensibility,
  his inveterate hostility to God,
  the fact that he is "condemned already"
  and that the wrath of a sin-hating God
    is even now abiding upon him!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting
forth of the alarming danger which sinners
are in--the indescribably awful doom which
awaits them, the fact that if they follow their
present course only a little further--they shall
most certainly suffer the due penalty of their
iniquities!

What is needed today, is a scriptural setting
forth of the nature of that dreadful punishment
which awaits the lost--
  the awfulness of it,
  the hopelessness of it,
  the unendurableness of it,
  the endlessness of it!
Excepting the Cross of Christ, nothing else
so manifests the heinousness of sin--as the
doctrine of eternal punishment.

It is just because these truths have been
withheld so much from public ministry to
the saints--that we now find so many
backboneless, sentimental, lop-sided
Christians in our assemblies!

A clearer vision of the awe-inspiring attributes
of God--would banish much of our levity and
irreverence.

A better understanding of our depravity by
nature--would humble us, and make us see
our deep need of using the appointed means
of grace.

A facing of the alarming danger of the lost
sinner--would cause us to "consider our ways"
and make us more diligent to make our "calling
and election sure."

A realization of the unspeakable misery which
awaits the lost (and which each of us fully merited)
would immeasurably deepen our gratitude, and bring
us to thank God more fervently--that we have been
snatched as brands from the burning, and delivered
from the wrath to come! It would also make us far
more earnest in our prayers--as we supplicate God
on behalf of the unsaved.

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A jewel more worth than a world!

(Thomas Brooks, "The Hypocrite Detected")

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
     Ephesians 5:16

Time is a jewel more worth than a world!

Time is not yours to dispose of as you please; it is
a glorious talent, which men must be accountable
for--as well as any other talent. Of all talents, time
is the hardest to improve well. Ah, beloved, have
not you need to improve your time--who have
much work to do, in so short a time:
  your souls to save,
  a God to honor,
  a Christ to exalt,
  a hell to escape,
  a race to run,
  a crown to win,
  temptations to withstand,
  corruptions to conquer,
  afflictions to bear,
  mercies to improve, and
  your generation to serve!

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we
 may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

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He who has deserved a hanging

("The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod"
 or, "The Silent Soul with Sovereign Antidotes"
 by Thomas Brooks, 1659, London.)

"The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and
 punishes every son whom He receives."
     Hebrews 12:6

"Why should any living man complain--when
 punished for his sins?" Lamentations 3:39

He who has deserved a hanging--has no
reason to charge the judge with cruelty--if
he escapes with a whipping!

And we who have deserved a damning--have
no reason to charge God for being too severe
--if we escape with a fatherly lashing!

"God disciplines us for our good---that we
 may share in His holiness." Hebrews 12:10

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His people's scars and warts

(Thomas Brooks)

"I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25

Caesar was painted with his finger upon his
scar, his wart. God puts His fingers upon all
His people's scars and warts--upon all their
weaknesses and infirmities, that nothing can
be seen but what is fair and lovely. "You are
so beautiful, My beloved; there is no flaw in
you!" Song of Solomon 4:7

"I will never again remember their sins and
 lawless deeds." Hebrews 10:17

The meaning is, "I will fully forgive their sins;
I will never more mention them; I will never
more take notice of them; they shall never
more hear of them from Me!"

"I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember
 their sin no more." Jeremiah 31:34

Though God has an iron memory to remember
the sins of the wicked--yet He has no memory
to remember the sins of the godly!

"I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and
 their sins and their iniquities will I remember no
 more." Hebrews 8:12

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As we pass through its foul streets

(J. R. Miller, "In His Steps" 1897)

    "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this--to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

    Holiness means separation unto God. The life which belongs to Christ--must be kept from sin. The hands which are held up in prayer--must not touch any unclean thing. The lips which speak to God, and sing His praise--must not be stained by any sinful or bitter words. The heart which is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit--must not open to any thought or affection which would defile God's temple. The feet which Christ's pierced hands have washed--must not walk in any of sin's unhallowed paths. A Christian's life must be holy.

    Unholiness is very subtle. It creeps in when we are not aware. It begins in the heart. At first it is but a thought, a moment's imagination, a passing emotion, or a desire. Hence the heart should be kept with unremitting diligence. Only pure and holy thoughts should be entertained.

    It is in the thoughts, that all acts begin. All acts are first thoughts. Our thoughts build up our character, as the coral insects build up the great reefs. "As a man thinks in his heart--so is he." If we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, as we pass through its foul streets--we must see to it that no unholy thing is for a moment tolerated in our heart! A crime stains one's name before the world; a sinful thought or desire stains the soul in God's sight, and grieves the divine Spirit within us! "Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

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The Scriptures are sufficient

(Thomas Brooks, "A Word in Season to Suffering Saints")

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
 rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness--so
 that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for
 every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Scriptures are sufficient . . .
  to inform the ignorant,
  to confute the erroneous,
  to reform the wicked, and
  to guide and direct, support and comfort--the godly.

Here a lamb may wade--and here an elephant may swim!

Here is milk for babes--and meat for strong men!

Here is . . .
  comfort for the afflicted, and
  support for the tempted, and
  ease for the troubled, and
  light for the clouded, and
  enlargement for the straitened, etc.

Oh,
  how full of light,
  how full of life,
  how full of love,
  how full of sweetness,
  how full of goodness,
  how full of righteousness,
  how full of holiness, etc.,
is every chapter, and every verse in every
chapter, yes, and every line in every verse!

No human writings are comparable to Scripture:
  1. for antiquity;
  2. for rarity;
  3. for variety;
  4. for brevity;
  5. for plainness;
  6. for harmony;
  7. for verity.
All which should greatly encourage Christians, to a
serious perusal of them. "Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97

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Christ, by His death

(Thomas Brooks, "The Golden Key to Open Hidden Treasures")

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24

Certainly the whole punishment of body and soul which was
due unto us--Christ our Redeemer suffered. Our blessed Savior
bore all the sins of the elect. He suffered the whole punishment
which was due unto us--which we would have endured, if He had
not atoned for our sins. He felt the anguish of soul, and horror
of God's wrath--and in soul, experienced the torments of hell
for us--and sustained them and vanquished them!

All the pains, torments, curse, and wrath which were due to
the elect--fell on Christ, until divine justice was fully satisfied.
Though Christ did not suffer eternal death for sinners--yet He
suffered that which was equivalent, and therefore the justice
of God is wholly appeased by His death. Christ's infinite
excellency and glory, made His short sufferings to be of
infinite worth, and equivalent to our everlasting sufferings.

Jesus suffered that which was necessary for our redemption,
namely--that torment of hell which we had deserved, and
which the justice of God required that He should endure for
our redemption. He endured that bitter pain which we
deserved to suffer eternally.

Christ, by His death . . .
  satisfied divine justice,
  pacified divine wrath,
  brought in an everlasting righteousness, and
  accomplished the eternal salvation of His people!

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Christ's jewels!

    (Theodore Cuyler, "Wayside Springs from the Fountain of Life" 1883)

    "They will be Mine--in the day when I make up My jewels!" Malachi 3:17

    Believers are Christ's jewels! They are purchased at the infinite price of His atoning blood.

    As the pearls are only won from the depths of the sea, by the dangerous dive of the fishers--so were the pearls for Messiah's crown brought up from the miry depths of depravity, by the descent of that divine Sufferer who came to seek and to save the lost!

    The luster of a gem--depends much on the polishing. This is often a sharp and a severe process. Many of God's people can recall the times when they were under the harsh file, or were pressed down to the grinding-wheel. Blessed be the affliction, however fierce--which gives new luster to the diamond! The Master spends no time upon worthless pebbles; only His jewels are polished for His crown! When these jewels are made ready for His diadem--Christ will take them home unto Himself!

    "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

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We shall be sure to find something to annoy us!

(John MacDuff, "The Christian's Pathway" 1858 )

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
    1 Timothy 6:6

The believer is frequently exhorted to cultivate
contentment, and there are many considerations
by which the duty may be enforced.

One thing is very evident--that there is no condition
in the present world, which is free from trouble! Let
us pitch our tent wherever we may--we shall be
sure to find something to annoy us! And if there
is no situation without some inconvenience--had we
not better make up our minds to be satisfied with
that condition in which we are now placed?

We are too much in the habit of judging by outward
appearances. But things are often very different in
reality--to what they appear to be.

If we judge according to appearance, we shall be led to
regard the most prosperous--as the happiest individuals.
But we are assured by universal experience--that to be
great is one thing, and that to be truly happy is altogether
another thing! Under the glittering robes of the proudest
nobilities--there are hearts pierced with anguish, and
wrung with grief! In splendid palaces--there are many
broken hearts to be found. To sit upon thrones may
seem to be something very fascinating; but, "uneasy lies
the head--which wears a crown!" This is a truth which
receives fresh confirmation, from every passing year.

Let us not then, regard those who occupy the high places
of the earth, with feelings of envy. Instead of envying them
--it befits us rather to pity them and pray for them!

Reader, learn to distinguish between things that differ;
and be well assured that things as they appear outwardly,
and as they really are--do often differ, and that very
substantially! Such knowledge will tend, under God's
blessing--to make you more contented with your
present lot, notwithstanding its trials and privations.

It is not unusual--to be exposed to things which are
grievous and hard to be borne. This is not some strange
thing which is happening to us alone. Let us lay aside,
therefore, all murmurings and complainings--and ever
remember that God's arrangements are the wisest
and the best!

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Knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek

(Arthur Pink, "Bible Study")

    "Desire the sincere milk of the Word--that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2

    The Bible consists of a series of letters from the Heavenly Father, to His dear children. Then let us cherish them as such, and act accordingly. A few verses that are thoughtfully and prayerfully pondered, will advantage us far more than two or three whole chapters, merely skimmed through.

    That against which we are protesting--is the God-dishonoring idea that His Word is merely a piece of literature, which may be "mastered" by a course of "study." We would warn against an undue occupation with the technical aspects of the Bible. God's blessed Word is not for dissection by the knife of cold intellectuality. It is not given for us to display our cleverness and "brilliance" upon--but to be bowed before in true humility. It is not designed for mental entertainment--but for the regulation of our daily lives!

    Our motive when approaching the Word, should be to seek that which will subdue pride and bring us as supplicants to the footstool of Mercy--not to acquire that which will puff us up in our own conceit. Of what value is a knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek--or a thorough acquaintance with the history, geography, and chronology of the Bible--if the heart is left cold and hard toward its Author!

    I seriously doubt if God has called or requires us, merely to 'study' His Word. What we need to do, is FEED thereon. How much nourishment would your body derive from a study of the chemical properties of foods--or from seeking to ascertain the various sorts of soil in which they are grown--or the meaning of their Latin names? None whatever! And I am persuaded that much of the modern 'study of the Bible' is equally profitless spiritually!

    By all means, "search the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11); slowly ponder each word in every verse. Pray constantly for the guidance and illumination of the Spirit, that He may open to you its Divine mysteries. Above all, beg God to write His Word more legibly and fully upon the tablets of your heart--that you may put the precepts into practice.

    "Nourished up in the Words of Faith" (1 Timothy 4:6). God's Word is the only nutritive food for the soul! This is why the Holy Scriptures are given to us--that we may grow in love and reverence for them, and be more and more regulated by them. It is only by feeding on this Heavenly Manna, that strength is obtained for our pilgrim walk, for our warfare with sin and Satan, and for our service unto God and our fellows.

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All that can possibly want!

(Octavius Winslow, "The Witness of the Spirit")

"From the fullness of His grace--we have all
received one blessing after another." John 1:16

Child of God, all that can possibly want
is treasured up in Christ! You have . . .
  no cross--but Christ can bear it,
  no sorrow--but Christ can alleviate it,
  no corruption--but Christ can subdue it,
  no guilt--but Christ can remove it,
  no sin--but Christ can pardon it,
  no need--but Christ can supply it!

Lift up your heads, you who are poor, needy
and disconsolate! Lift up your heads, and
rejoice that Christ is ALL to you!
All you need in this valley of tears.
All you will need in the deepest sorrow.
All you need under the heaviest affliction.
All you need in sickness.
All you will need in the hour of death.
All you will need in the day of judgment.

Indeed, Christ is IN ALL too.
He is in all your salvation.
He is in all your mercies
He is in all your trials.
He is in all your consolations.
He is in all your afflictions.

What more can you want?

What more do you desire?

A Father who loves you as the apple of His eye!

A full Savior to whom to go, moment by moment!

"Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with
 confidence--so that we may receive mercy and find
 grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

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The Christian's heaviest burden

(Arthur Pink, "An Honest Heart")

"Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4

Sin is the Christian's heaviest
burden--and his greatest grief.

"We are lying if we say we have fellowship
 with God--but go on living in darkness."
    1 John 1:6

Repentance is not only a sorrowing for
sin--but also a turning away from it;
the throwing down of the weapons of
our warfare against God.

If we truly love God, we will . . .
  forsake our sins,
  abandon our idols
  and mortify our lusts.
An honest soul cannot do otherwise;
anything short of that would be hypocrisy.

The upright man is the one who "fears
God--and turns away from evil." Job 1:8

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The God of all comfort

(J. R. Miller, "Ministry of Comfort" 1898 )

"The Father of compassion--and the God
 of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3

There is a blessing in true human sympathy.
God sends our friends to us, to bring us little
measures of His own love--little cupfuls of His
grace. But He Himself is the only true comforter.
His love alone--is great enough to fill our heart,
and His hand alone--has skill to bind up our
wounds.

However deep the sorrow may be--if we creep
into God's bosom, and nestle there like a tired
child in the mother's arms--God's love will
enfold and embrace us, and flow into our
heart--and we shall be comforted, satisfied.

"As a mother comforts her child--so will
 I comfort you." Isaiah 66:13

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A living, loving, personal Savior

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

We are in the habit of saying that Christ saved
us by dying for us on the Cross. In an important
sense this is true. We never could have been
saved--if He had not died for us.

But we are actually saved by our relation to a
living, loving, personal Savior--into whose
hands we commit all the interests of our lives;
and who becomes our Friend, our Helper, our
Keeper, our Burden bearer--our all in all.

Christian faith is not merely laying our sins on
the Lamb of God, and trusting to His one great
sacrifice; it is the laying of ourselves on the living,
loving heart of one whose friendship becomes
thenceforward the sweetest joy of our lives!

"The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith
 in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
 Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20