|
hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire
upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.' To cherish such love and to
act in this way indeed is not in any man's power, except through the grace of God, but this is
granted to true Christians; and they are enabled to obey God's commands to love even their enemies
and to do them good through their love towards God, which is the result of their faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ.
VI. From the knowledge of the remission of sins through a living faith in Christ crucified comes
the hope of eternal happiness and glory, and in the hour of death, comfort and consolation. The fear
and dread which fill a man's heart, and his horror and terror at the very thought of death, spring
from sin; for his own heart and conscience show him that he deserves punishment after death for all
his sins, and make him fear lest he should finally be cast into hell fire. But belief in the Lord
Jesus Christ drives this fear and terror out of the heart of a true Christian; for he knows for
certain that Christ 'bare 1 our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto
sins, might live unto righteousness,' and that He there made a full atonement for the sins of the
whole world, and has offered pardon and salvation to all who truly believe on Him. He knows too that
God's approval and His infinite kindness are his own portion, through
|
|
THE RESULTS OF SALVATION
|
311 | |
his faith in Christ. Since, therefore, the true Christian is fully convinced that after
death he will enjoy the glory and happiness which the Lord Jesus Christ has prepared for His own, he
is not afraid of death, but, on the contrary, full of joyful expectation of eternal life and
everlasting bliss, he leaves this transitory world and enters into that which is changeless and
permanent. The Christian's confidence is based upon many great and precious promises which God has
given in the holy Scriptures. For example, in the Gospel it is written: 'He 1 that
believeth on the Son hath eternal life'; and Christ Himself says: 'Verily, 2 verily, I
say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh
not into judgement, but hath passed out of death into life.' Elsewhere He says: 'If 3 any
man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be.' And again, shortly
before His crucifixion, in praying for His disciples, He said: 'Father,4 that which thou
hast given me, I will that, where I am, they also may be with me; that they may behold my glory,
which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.' The Apostle says:
'As 5 many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For ye received not
the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit
|
|