July 22

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. - 2 Timothy 1:12.

THIS knowledge, which the Apostle possessed with regard to personal salvation, was not miraculous. He was “a man in Christ” as well as an “Apostle of Christ.” Paul’s official character did not interfere with his private character as a Christian. Neither was it the knowledge of an enthusiast, but a rational knowledge, in which the end was sought for in the use of means; a knowledge derivable from sources open to ourselves. It was derivable from the perfections of God, from his power, goodness, wisdom, patience, and his faithfulness. It was derivable from the “everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.” It was derivable from the “exceeding riches of God’s grace in his kindness toward us by Christ Jesus;” and the Apostle found it so by his own experience. It was thus Asaph checked his despondency, saying, “This is my infirmity;” and thus the Apostle says, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God;” and thus also David said, “I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right;” and thus Paul here says, “I know whom I have believed,” &c.

Thus, while the religion of the Bible enjoins us to be humble, and forbids everything like presumption, yet it admits of confidence and assurance; and what a recommendation is this to our religion. Nothing is more distressing to our feelings than uncertainty with regard to any invaluable interest, such as the issue of a malady, the title to an estate, or the success of an enterprise; and the wretchedness must be greater if there be no confidence and certainty possessed with regard to “things which are unseen and eternal.” But this confidence and certainty are attainable.

A Christian is not like a man who is floundering in the mud and mire, and pressed down lower by the weight of his own person. No: his feet are “upon a rock, and his goings are established.” “A new song is put into his mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and turn unto the Lord.” The Christian can gain this confidence and assurance with regard to the doctrines of the gospel. We cannot exercise too great candour; but nothing can be more pernicious than to apply this to the great leading and fundamental truths of Christianity. “It is a good thing,” says our Apostle, “that the heart be established with grace.” This assurance may be gained with regard to the privileges of the gospel. There is such a thing as enjoying “the comforts of the Holy Ghost,” “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and relief under a distressed conscience, by the application of the blood of sprinkling.

Christians can gain this confidence also with regard to their own personal interest in all this. We do not affirm that all the subjects of divine grace have this assurance, or we should “break the bruised reed and quench the smoking flax.” “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” And Christians may gain this certainty with regard to the end and issue of afflictive dispensations. So did the Apostle.

Did he say, “I desire, I hope?” No: “We know that all things work together for good.” And this is the very Spirit of the text which serves as a motto for this morning’s meditations.