Davies
Member
Brothers and Sisters,
I think there is a fear in self-examination that keeps us from living the abundant life promised to us as believers in Jesus. A resource that I haven't fully explored, but I think has been very insightful so far, is Matthew Mead's work in a book called The Almost Christian Discovered; or the False Professor Tried and Cast.
"It is the hypocrite's fault to sit under the trials and discoveries of the word, and yet not to mind them: and it is the weak Christian's fault to draw sad conclusions of their own from premises which nothing concern them.
There is indeed great use of such doctrine as this is to all believers:
1. To make them look to their standing, upon what bottom they are, and to see that the foundation of their hope be well laid, that they build not upon the sand, but upon a rock.
2. It helps to raise our admiration of the distinguishing love of God, in bringing us into the way everlasting, when so many perish from the way, and in overpowering our souls into a true conversion, when so many take up with a graceless profession.
3. It incites to that excellent duty of heart-searching, that so we may approve ourselves to God in sincerity.
4. It engages the soul in double diligence, that it may be found not only believing, but persevering in faith to the end.
These duties, and such as these are, make this doctrine of use to all believers; but they ought not to make use of it as a stumbling-block in the way of their peace and comfort."
If we are stumbled in self-examination because we find some terrible sin, then we prove that we are not trusting in God, but if we examine ourselves and find many terrible sins, then should find rest in Jesus because it is confirmed to us that Jesus died for the right person, a sinner. Our sins should lead us to trust Jesus Christ more, not to hide or run away from Him.
If you don't think you are a sinful, wretched, and foul person at heart, then you may question your need for salvation, or may not even see any need, as I have had occasion to hear from family. Could this happen because we fear what we might learn about ourselves in the light of what God says about us in the Bible?
- Davies
I think there is a fear in self-examination that keeps us from living the abundant life promised to us as believers in Jesus. A resource that I haven't fully explored, but I think has been very insightful so far, is Matthew Mead's work in a book called The Almost Christian Discovered; or the False Professor Tried and Cast.
"It is the hypocrite's fault to sit under the trials and discoveries of the word, and yet not to mind them: and it is the weak Christian's fault to draw sad conclusions of their own from premises which nothing concern them.
There is indeed great use of such doctrine as this is to all believers:
1. To make them look to their standing, upon what bottom they are, and to see that the foundation of their hope be well laid, that they build not upon the sand, but upon a rock.
2. It helps to raise our admiration of the distinguishing love of God, in bringing us into the way everlasting, when so many perish from the way, and in overpowering our souls into a true conversion, when so many take up with a graceless profession.
3. It incites to that excellent duty of heart-searching, that so we may approve ourselves to God in sincerity.
4. It engages the soul in double diligence, that it may be found not only believing, but persevering in faith to the end.
These duties, and such as these are, make this doctrine of use to all believers; but they ought not to make use of it as a stumbling-block in the way of their peace and comfort."
If we are stumbled in self-examination because we find some terrible sin, then we prove that we are not trusting in God, but if we examine ourselves and find many terrible sins, then should find rest in Jesus because it is confirmed to us that Jesus died for the right person, a sinner. Our sins should lead us to trust Jesus Christ more, not to hide or run away from Him.
If you don't think you are a sinful, wretched, and foul person at heart, then you may question your need for salvation, or may not even see any need, as I have had occasion to hear from family. Could this happen because we fear what we might learn about ourselves in the light of what God says about us in the Bible?
- Davies