05.22. Individual Faith
Individual Faith
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!" Galatians 2:20
Whatever be the instrumentality which God may employ in restoring to Himself one that has been hitherto a stranger to His grace — it is of the utmost importance for the enquirer to be assured, that with reference to his acceptance with the Most High, he has to do with One, and One only. Not many mediators, not many priests, but one Mediator and one Priest. "There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Personal dealings with a personal Savior is the one all-essential requisite to everlasting salvation.
Very plainly does this stand out in the words of Paul above quoted. He presents to us within a short compass, the source of all his strength, peace, and usefulness: "I am crucified with Christ." In the death of Jesus Paul died to the law. Its curse could no longer touch him. Once punished for sin in his Surety, there was henceforth to him no condemnation. He was moreover crucified to sin and the world. He was no longer their slave. The sight of the Redeemer nailed to the cross for his transgression, destroyed their power over him.
"Nevertheless I live." The truest life, the noblest life, begins in death, even in the death of the old man, the carnal nature. All other life, apart from Divine grace, is but spiritual death. "She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives."
"Yet not I." Grace ever casts off all confidence in self. "I labored more abundantly than they all — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." So here again: "I live — yet not I, but Christ lives in me" This latter expression is remarkable. Christ lives at the right hand of God — yet He also lives within the heart of the believer. By the Holy Spirit, He dwells within that sacred temple, enlightening it with the rays of His heavenly light, and purifying it from all evil. And this life of Christ within the soul, can only be experienced in the exercise of faith in Him. "The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Mark here the singular number employed, and not the plural. It is not "we" and "us," but "I" and "me." It is the individual faith taking hold of the promise.
Mark also the one single object of faith. It is the crucified Son of God. It is looking to Him, the true brazen serpent, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. As an exact parallel to this passage, I would ask the reader’s careful attention to the individuality of those to whom the promises, of life are made in the fourth Gospel. The third person singular, and not the third person plural, is that most commonly employed. It is not usually "they" and "them," but "he" and "him." It is not "all that believe," so much as "every one that believes," "Whoever believes." Read the Gospel of John thoughtfully, and you cannot fail to be struck with this. Take only a few instances out of many: "He who hears My word and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life." "Him that comes unto Me I will never cast out." "I am the door: by Me if any man enters in, he shall be saved." "I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in Me, though he were dead — yet shall he live: and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
Now was there not a purpose in the Spirit employing this mode of expression? Was it not to show that men do not become partakers of salvation in the mass, by belonging to one great corporate body, through participation in certain ordinances; but by personal, individual faith, by each man or woman coming to the Savior through the guiding of the Holy Spirit, drawing near in heart-felt prayer, relying upon the promise of life which is in Christ. And there is in John’s Gospel also the same prominent setting forth of the one great object of faith, that we find to be the case with the Apostle Paul. It is ever Christ Himself — not merely certain truths which He has taught, these are deeply important, but only so as they lead on to Him; nor the Church which He has founded, nor the sacraments which He has ordained — but Himself — the light of the world — the Door — the Way — the resurrection and the life — the spring of all the grace that the soul requires. It is "comes to Me" "believes on Me." "By Me if any man enter in." And what is this faith, this believing, this coming to Christ? It is no mere empty word — it is no mere utterance, "I believe." It is no product of corrupt human nature — but it is a faith wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the faith . . .
that beholds Christ as set forth in Holy Scripture,
that looks to Him as the very Son of God,
that turns to His cross as the all-sufficient atonement for sin,
that regards His promise as firmer than the everlasting hills.
It is the faith that brings a man face to face with the Savior. It is as the woman touching Him and deriving virtue from the touch. It is as Bartimaeus crying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" It is as the leper beseeching Christ: "Lord, if You will, You can make me clean!"
It is the faith that has a servant going before — namely conviction of sin; and a goodly train of fair daughters that follow after — namely, hope, love, obedience, patience, submission to the will of God, a life of prayer and praise, all holy works, and all heavenly desires.
It is the faith that parts with all else rather than part with Christ; that says to Him, "Lord, to whom shall I go, You have the words of eternal life!" "Whom have I in Heaven but You, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside You!"
What know you, reader, of a faith like this? Without a faith that brings with it something of this spirit, be persuaded that all else will be in vain.
You may be very estimable in the eye of man,
you may be a very pattern of moral excellence in the various relationships of life,
you may be a member of Christ’s visible Church,
you may have a right creed, and a zeal for the truth,
you may be a visitor of the poor, a teacher of the young, a liberal contributor to benevolent and religious societies,
you may partake often of the Holy Communion —
yet in spite of all, you will be rejected at the great day — unless deep, deep down in your very heart of hearts, there Christ is enshrined — Christ your joy — Christ your trust — Christ your only hope and salvation. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: he who believes not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." But that faith in which the Divine life begins, is that also by which it is carried on to perfection. Faith in Christ was to the Apostle the means by which he obtained acceptance and justification — but it was more than this, it was the strength in which he vanquished every obstacle, and by which he wrought such abundant labors. The Christian, like the Apostle, can only live by faith in the Son of God. He must live upon the treasury of grace which is laid up in Him. From Him as the storehouse of heavenly riches, must all his supplies be drawn. An illustration may make this clearer. A widowed mother has an only son. She is left without means, but the son has risen to a position of affluence. He writes to her a letter full of warm, tender affection, expressing his desire to do all within his power to provide for her comfort during the latter days of her life. Thus she lives without anxiety for the future. For the rent of her cottage, for food, for clothing, for all else, she lives upon her son. In every strait and necessity she has but to apply to him, and she knows that he will permit her to lack nothing. Would any one attempt to disturb her confidence, she would say, "I know that he has abundance, and will never let me lack." "But may he not grow weary of helping you?" "Nay, he loves me, and has already given such proofs of his love, that I can never, never doubt, that he will care for me to the end of my days."
Christian, thus are you permitted, nay, commanded to live on Christ for all you need. It has pleased the Father, that in Him should all fullness dwell, and you cannot honor the Father or the Son more, than by constantly resorting thither for every possible need. For pardon and for peace, for strength and for sanctification, for repose and refreshing, for wisdom, for guidance, for assurance of life eternal — rely evermore on Jesus alone. And why should you doubt His power or readiness to supply whatever you may require? Has He not an abundant store? Are not all things in His hand, and at His disposal for the benefit of His redeemed people? Is He not full of grace and truth? Is He not rich to all that call upon Him? And has He given no proof of His love? Can you not say with Paul, "He loved me, and gave Himself for me!" Has He not manifested toward you perpetually His faithfulness and loving kindness? Has he not given you many and many a token, many a gift unsought, and many a gift you have desired in prayer, to show that He cares for you? Therefore be of good cheer. Consider what Christ is; consider how free and gracious are His promises; consider what He has already done for you — and let nothing disturb your confidence in Him. In every sorrowful hour, in every season of sore trial or fear, make it your ground of steadfast hope that you have One who cannot and will not fail you. "The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not lack." "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The voice of our Lord and Creator
Our inmost spirit thrills,
As with gentle, loving accents,
Each fear it stills,
Saying, "Fear not, I am with you!
Always will I abide,
In pity and love unfailing,
Close by your side."
Dear Savior, we gladly would feel You,
Ever quite near to us;
Oh! come in Your loving-kindness,
And bless us thus.
So shall we through all life’s changes
Your work and will pursue,
Until in scenes of eternal glory
Your face we view!
Individual Faith
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!" Galatians 2:20
Whatever be the instrumentality which God may employ in restoring to Himself one that has been hitherto a stranger to His grace — it is of the utmost importance for the enquirer to be assured, that with reference to his acceptance with the Most High, he has to do with One, and One only. Not many mediators, not many priests, but one Mediator and one Priest. "There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Personal dealings with a personal Savior is the one all-essential requisite to everlasting salvation.
Very plainly does this stand out in the words of Paul above quoted. He presents to us within a short compass, the source of all his strength, peace, and usefulness: "I am crucified with Christ." In the death of Jesus Paul died to the law. Its curse could no longer touch him. Once punished for sin in his Surety, there was henceforth to him no condemnation. He was moreover crucified to sin and the world. He was no longer their slave. The sight of the Redeemer nailed to the cross for his transgression, destroyed their power over him.
"Nevertheless I live." The truest life, the noblest life, begins in death, even in the death of the old man, the carnal nature. All other life, apart from Divine grace, is but spiritual death. "She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives."
"Yet not I." Grace ever casts off all confidence in self. "I labored more abundantly than they all — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." So here again: "I live — yet not I, but Christ lives in me" This latter expression is remarkable. Christ lives at the right hand of God — yet He also lives within the heart of the believer. By the Holy Spirit, He dwells within that sacred temple, enlightening it with the rays of His heavenly light, and purifying it from all evil. And this life of Christ within the soul, can only be experienced in the exercise of faith in Him. "The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Mark here the singular number employed, and not the plural. It is not "we" and "us," but "I" and "me." It is the individual faith taking hold of the promise.
Mark also the one single object of faith. It is the crucified Son of God. It is looking to Him, the true brazen serpent, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. As an exact parallel to this passage, I would ask the reader’s careful attention to the individuality of those to whom the promises, of life are made in the fourth Gospel. The third person singular, and not the third person plural, is that most commonly employed. It is not usually "they" and "them," but "he" and "him." It is not "all that believe," so much as "every one that believes," "Whoever believes." Read the Gospel of John thoughtfully, and you cannot fail to be struck with this. Take only a few instances out of many: "He who hears My word and believes on Him who sent Me has everlasting life." "Him that comes unto Me I will never cast out." "I am the door: by Me if any man enters in, he shall be saved." "I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in Me, though he were dead — yet shall he live: and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
Now was there not a purpose in the Spirit employing this mode of expression? Was it not to show that men do not become partakers of salvation in the mass, by belonging to one great corporate body, through participation in certain ordinances; but by personal, individual faith, by each man or woman coming to the Savior through the guiding of the Holy Spirit, drawing near in heart-felt prayer, relying upon the promise of life which is in Christ. And there is in John’s Gospel also the same prominent setting forth of the one great object of faith, that we find to be the case with the Apostle Paul. It is ever Christ Himself — not merely certain truths which He has taught, these are deeply important, but only so as they lead on to Him; nor the Church which He has founded, nor the sacraments which He has ordained — but Himself — the light of the world — the Door — the Way — the resurrection and the life — the spring of all the grace that the soul requires. It is "comes to Me" "believes on Me." "By Me if any man enter in." And what is this faith, this believing, this coming to Christ? It is no mere empty word — it is no mere utterance, "I believe." It is no product of corrupt human nature — but it is a faith wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit. It is the faith . . .
that beholds Christ as set forth in Holy Scripture,
that looks to Him as the very Son of God,
that turns to His cross as the all-sufficient atonement for sin,
that regards His promise as firmer than the everlasting hills.
It is the faith that brings a man face to face with the Savior. It is as the woman touching Him and deriving virtue from the touch. It is as Bartimaeus crying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" It is as the leper beseeching Christ: "Lord, if You will, You can make me clean!"
It is the faith that has a servant going before — namely conviction of sin; and a goodly train of fair daughters that follow after — namely, hope, love, obedience, patience, submission to the will of God, a life of prayer and praise, all holy works, and all heavenly desires.
It is the faith that parts with all else rather than part with Christ; that says to Him, "Lord, to whom shall I go, You have the words of eternal life!" "Whom have I in Heaven but You, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside You!"
What know you, reader, of a faith like this? Without a faith that brings with it something of this spirit, be persuaded that all else will be in vain.
You may be very estimable in the eye of man,
you may be a very pattern of moral excellence in the various relationships of life,
you may be a member of Christ’s visible Church,
you may have a right creed, and a zeal for the truth,
you may be a visitor of the poor, a teacher of the young, a liberal contributor to benevolent and religious societies,
you may partake often of the Holy Communion —
yet in spite of all, you will be rejected at the great day — unless deep, deep down in your very heart of hearts, there Christ is enshrined — Christ your joy — Christ your trust — Christ your only hope and salvation. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: he who believes not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." But that faith in which the Divine life begins, is that also by which it is carried on to perfection. Faith in Christ was to the Apostle the means by which he obtained acceptance and justification — but it was more than this, it was the strength in which he vanquished every obstacle, and by which he wrought such abundant labors. The Christian, like the Apostle, can only live by faith in the Son of God. He must live upon the treasury of grace which is laid up in Him. From Him as the storehouse of heavenly riches, must all his supplies be drawn. An illustration may make this clearer. A widowed mother has an only son. She is left without means, but the son has risen to a position of affluence. He writes to her a letter full of warm, tender affection, expressing his desire to do all within his power to provide for her comfort during the latter days of her life. Thus she lives without anxiety for the future. For the rent of her cottage, for food, for clothing, for all else, she lives upon her son. In every strait and necessity she has but to apply to him, and she knows that he will permit her to lack nothing. Would any one attempt to disturb her confidence, she would say, "I know that he has abundance, and will never let me lack." "But may he not grow weary of helping you?" "Nay, he loves me, and has already given such proofs of his love, that I can never, never doubt, that he will care for me to the end of my days."
Christian, thus are you permitted, nay, commanded to live on Christ for all you need. It has pleased the Father, that in Him should all fullness dwell, and you cannot honor the Father or the Son more, than by constantly resorting thither for every possible need. For pardon and for peace, for strength and for sanctification, for repose and refreshing, for wisdom, for guidance, for assurance of life eternal — rely evermore on Jesus alone. And why should you doubt His power or readiness to supply whatever you may require? Has He not an abundant store? Are not all things in His hand, and at His disposal for the benefit of His redeemed people? Is He not full of grace and truth? Is He not rich to all that call upon Him? And has He given no proof of His love? Can you not say with Paul, "He loved me, and gave Himself for me!" Has He not manifested toward you perpetually His faithfulness and loving kindness? Has he not given you many and many a token, many a gift unsought, and many a gift you have desired in prayer, to show that He cares for you? Therefore be of good cheer. Consider what Christ is; consider how free and gracious are His promises; consider what He has already done for you — and let nothing disturb your confidence in Him. In every sorrowful hour, in every season of sore trial or fear, make it your ground of steadfast hope that you have One who cannot and will not fail you. "The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not lack." "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The voice of our Lord and Creator
Our inmost spirit thrills,
As with gentle, loving accents,
Each fear it stills,
Saying, "Fear not, I am with you!
Always will I abide,
In pity and love unfailing,
Close by your side."
Dear Savior, we gladly would feel You,
Ever quite near to us;
Oh! come in Your loving-kindness,
And bless us thus.
So shall we through all life’s changes
Your work and will pursue,
Until in scenes of eternal glory
Your face we view!