JSL-18-Chapter One:
Chapter One:
Newness of Life The elementary principles of the gospel of Christ comprehend whatever is involved in that change of state and relations known as conversion. They embrace the whole process, from the beginning to the final putting on of Christ in baptism. And now the apostle teaches (Romans 6:4) that we are raised up from this baptism to walk in newness of life. Much has been said — perhaps most of it with but little practical utility — respecting the precise state in the antecedent process in which this life was generated, and exactly what influence produced the result, and in what way it operated. It is certainly interesting to think upon these points and to compare the various Scriptures relating to them; but unless some obstructive error makes it necessary to discuss them, it will be quite sufficient for us to know that at the end of the elementary process we first begin to “walk in newness of life.” Whether the grand result was brought to pass by the Holy Spirit, by the gospel of Christ, by Christian baptism, or by the concurrence of them all, together with the responsive cooperation of him who was the subject of the change, are questions whose consideration here is not demanded. Suffice it to say, that whoever has cordially and practically embraced the first principles of the gospel, and who has come thus into fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is a “new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (II. Cor. 5: 17). And now, how to make the most of this new life which we have acquired; how to develop and mature it, notwithstanding its union with our animal nature, and its exposure to trials and dangers; in short, how we may, in spite of obstacles and difficulties, go on to perfection—this is the subject upon which I hope to be able to prepare a number of articles, which I trust may be helpful to earnest and aspiring Christians. The subordinate subjects to be considered under the leading title will not in general have any logical sequence or dependence, but each will be complete in itself, and will be presented as an aspect or element of the main theme. I can not, of course, say whether I shall be able to handle the subject to the satisfaction of those who are seeking “a closer walk with God”; and the only assurance which I can give in advance is that for many years my best thoughts and feelings have lingered lovingly around it.
It will be helpful to us, let me say in the beginning, to give emphasis in our reflections to the newness of this life. It is somewhat difficult fully to realize this, from the fact that we are living in the same old world, in the same homes, mingling with the same people, engaged in the same callings, and in many respects we find ourselves the same. We have the same natural wants and animal passions that we had before. Our individuality has not been set aside—we feel that we are the same persons, and we are. And yet with all this old, which necessarily remains with us, there is something essentially new. Perhaps in every case the first thing of this sort which is present to our consciousness is a certain peculiar feeling, which we may call joy, or peace, or gladness. It is that sweet serenity and comfort of mind which results from the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance with God. It is what the hymn calls “The new-born joy of sins forgiven.” And certainly any one who has experienced the effect of that work of the Spirit which is called conviction of sin; who has realized that he was alienated from God; that he was dead and lost; and who, filled with godly sorrow, has turned with penitent confession and humble submission to his Father, must rejoice to find how cordially he was welcomed back, and how freely and fully he was pardoned.
Then, of course, the relations which the converted sinner sustains to Christ are radically new. He has put him on; has become a member of his body; his loyal, loving and devoted subject. He has voluntarily enlisted in his service, and has consecrated to him all his powers of mind and heart, of soul and body.
He has, too, entered into new relations with the people of God. They have become his brethren, and are to be treated with all brotherly kindness and helpful sympathy. They may be weak and frail and fallible; may have their faults and shortcomings; may be poor and ignorant and rude; but whatever they are, and whatever they do, he still feels a brother’s interest in them, and he sits down to the table and eats and drinks with them, and with Christ.
It will be well, also, for him to realize that his relations to the world have been changed. While he is still in it, he is not of it, and is no longer to be conformed to it. For wise purposes of discipline and development, the heavenly Father leaves his children to struggle against the spirit and temper of the world—to live exposed to its temptations and allurements—in order to cultivate in them a truer and manlier virtue than would otherwise be possible. At the same time he warns against its dangers, especially teaching that our hearts are not to be given to it, and assuring us that if we are born of him we shall be able by his grace to overcome it. This, of course, will require much thoughtful care and watchfulness, and must self-denial and prayer. In short, the dominant purpose, the whole end and aim of a Christian’s existence, is radically new. He is in a new kingdom, a new world, under a new government. He has turned round. The very direction in which his life moves is changed. He has begun to struggle upward, which is Godward; and he feels that the deep meaning of his existence, here is the wonderful complexity of Providence and grace, of tribulation and trial, and blessed help, is that he may attain unto the heights to which God has called him, that he may become ennobled and sanctified here, and glorified hereafter.
Having considered thus the newness of it, we should bear in mind at the same time that it is life—life from God. Nay, it is eternal life, germinal as yet and undeveloped, but still with attributes of divine life. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36; John 5:24). This results from the fact that we are God’s children—begotten of God; born again, and from above; born of water and of the Spirit. Our conversation was no merely outward conformity to a prescription; it was a coming to God, who is the Source of all life; it was the acceptance from him of the gift of his Spirit to dwell in our hearts; it was the entrance into the Lord Jesus Christ, “who is our life”; and so we came into fellowship and communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Truly this is “newness of life.” And now, in concluding this preliminary chapter in which we are outlines, but in no very definite way, the course that we are to pursue, let us call up before us the duty and privilege of walking in this new life. This is one of the terms used in the Bible to express a predetermined and continuous course of conduct. It implies that we are going somewhere, and that we are taking the necessary steps to land us there. Elsewhere it is called a “journey,” a “Pilgrimage.” We are to recognize the fact that we are only passing through the world; that we do not live here; that it is not home; and that if we settle down and identify ourselves with it, we shall fail to reach our true destination. Our watchword must be “Onward, ever onward!”
Walking seems to be a favorite figure with the apostles, and they have connected with it many wholesome instructions. For example:
“We walk by faith, not by sight.”
“We are his workmanship, created in Jesus Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
“I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
“Brethren, mark them that walk so as ye have us for an example.”
“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.”
“That ye may walk honestly towards them that are without.”
“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” And so we might quote “walk in love,” “walk in Christ,” “walk in wisdom toward them that are without,” and numerous others; but the foregoing will suffice to show us what the Holy Spirit would have us understand by “walking in newness of life.” It means that we are to walk in faith, in good works, in truth, in love, in honesty and wisdom, in the light, in Christ. Such a walk will be worthy of our high calling, and will conduct us on, step by step, towards perfection. This is the ideal Christian life. We are not likely to realize it all at once. We may sometimes blunder and stumble and fall; but, by the grace of God, we get up and try again. Our very failures, when we are honestly endeavoring to do right, will help us to better success afterwards. They will disclose to us the weak places of our character; they will make us more watchful and guardful; and especially will they lead and call us to look unto Him who is the Source of all strength and help, and to cry, not simply in the music of song, but in the sweeter melody of the heart;
Nearer, my God to thee;
Nearer to thee!