A Good Beginning, Continuance and Ending. 4
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A Good Ending
(continued)
March, 1949
The former article under this title was designed chiefly for those who have come under the baneful influence of a popular type of "Eternal Security" teaching, wherein the responsibility of the saints is utterly ignored. We therefore emphasized the Scriptural fact that to begin well and to continuewell — are absolutely indispensable if the believer is to end well. In this article, we propose to define more closely what is signified by a good ending, and then point out some of the duties which must be attended to by the Christian, in order for him to experience the same.
There is a sense in which everyone who continues to tread that narrow way which leads unto Life has a good ending; for whatever falls he had therein, he rose up again (Prov 24:16) and held on his way (Job 17:9), neither making shipwreck of the faith (1 Timothy 1:19) nor turning the grace of God into a license for sin (Jude 4). Upon their removal from the world — such have ceased from all sin and sorrow, and that is indeed a good ending.
But there is another sense in which many real Christians do not have a good ending to their earthly career: their growth in grace is arrested, their testimony for the Lord does not honor Him as it once did, they can no longer be described as burning and shining lights; rather are they more or less under a cloud before they pass away from this scene — rusting, instead of wearing out.
It is often said that the young Christian is the one who most of all needs to tread warily in order to escape the snares of Satan, that it is the babesin Christ who are in the greatest danger of bringing reproach upon His holy name. But neither Scripture nor observation confirms this view. Was it in their earlier years or their later that Noah, Isaac, Moses, and David conducted themselves so carnally? On the other hand, how signally was the Lord honored by Joseph, Samuel, Josiah, and Daniel in the days of their youth! The fact is, that each stage of the spiritual life has its own peculiar temptations and perils; and there is just as urgent a need for the most mature saint to walk cautiously — as there is for the one who has only just commenced his spiritual pilgrimage.
While it is true that the longer a believer follows on to know the Lord, the stronger he should become in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1) — yet the more on his guard must he be against becoming puffed up with his attainments. It is also true that old age is accompanied by infirmities of both mind and body; yet for the Christian, it should also be marked by an increasing dependence upon the Lord and a proving of the sufficiency of His grace. There is abundant reason for the Christian to go "from strength to strength" (Psalm 84:7) and "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). He has the infallible Word of God in his hands, "so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). He has access to the Throne of Grace, where he may ever "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). He is divinely assured that, "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa 40:31). He has the mediatorial fullness of Christ to draw upon (John 1:16).
He has the comforting promises of the living God to rest in: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa 41:10). "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he — I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you" (Isa 46:4). "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Then ought we not to exclaim, "I will trust — and not be afraid" (Isa 12:2) and "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death — I will fear no evil" (Psalm 23:4).
While it is the case, that the Holy Spirit has recorded for our warning — the sad follies and falls committed by some saints in their old age, He has also described — for our encouragement and emulation — the good ending of others. "For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God" (Heb 11:5). Joshua's career finished as brightly as it commenced. "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning" (Job 42:12). To the close of his long life, Daniel glorified the Lord: he "prospered in the reign of Darius [as well as Nebuchadnezzar's], and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian" (Dan 6:28). How many a spiritual Gaddite has proved by experience, "a troop [of lusts and temptations] shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last" (Gen 49:19). "Mark the perfect [sincere] man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace" (Psalm 37:37). Probably most of us have personally witnessed such cases.
Then why should not the writer and the reader receive fulfillment of that promise, "It shall come to pass, that at evening time — it shall be light" (Zechariah 14:7). But in order thereto we must maintain fellowship with Him who is "light" (1 John 1:5). "He who follows me shall not walk in darkness — but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
"But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before — I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14). Those words were penned by Paul as he neared the end of his course, and they should be translated into prayer by all elderly saints. As we advance in years — there is a strong tendency to live too much in the past. As there is asinful forgetfulness — so there is a hindering remembrance. It is indeed incumbent upon us to take notice, with thankfulness, of those portions of the wilderness through which the Lord has already led us, and to raise our Ebenezers for the same (1 Samuel 7:12). It is equally our duty to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ — and go on to maturity" (Heb 6:1).
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 3:13-14.
We should assuredly cherish in our hearts the previous deliverances and mercies which God has given us; and yet there is a sense in which we shouldforget them. We should keep them in mind in order to promote thanksgiving and deepen confidence in God; but not allow the recollection of them to produce slackness in diligently seeking further blessings from Him. Do not be content with the measure of grace, knowledge, and growth already granted — but continue to "covet earnestly the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31).
So far as remembrance of the past humbles and makes us walk more softly — such an exercise of the mind is helpful; but if it dispirits and enervates — it is harmful. Like all of our faculties, the memory can be cultivated or neglected, put to both a good and a bad use. We should frequently review the past in order to learn the lessons it may teach us, and to profit from our mistakes; but we must not become so cast down over the failures of yesterday — that we are disqualified for the discharge of today's duties. It is far from honoring the Lord, if we allow the sins of our youth to fill us with dejection and despair; if they have been repented of and confessed — then we should leave them under the blood of Christ.
Nor is it at all a healthy sign for the soul to be always harping upon and resting in the blissful experience of conversion; rather, should he see to it that he is now in a right attitude toward the Lord, and rejoicing in Him.
Losses and bereavements must not be dwelt upon by us so as to produce perpetual gloominess; seek to cheer other distressed souls with the comfort with which you have been comforted of God (2 Corinthians 1:4). The racer retards his progress by glancing back at the ground already covered: his task is to keep his eyes steadily on the finishing line.
In John 15, when speaking of the branches of the true vine, Christ made mention of "fruit," "more fruit" (verse 2), and "much fruit" (verses 5, 8): such proportions ought to characterize, respectively, the babes, young men, and fathers in Christ. A lengthy acquaintance with the Lord, and deepening experience in His goodness and mercy — should issue in increasing fruitfulness. That fruit is described, in part, in Galatians 5:22-23. As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord — will there not be increasing love for, joy in, and peace from Him? Has not God promised, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:14)? But, says the aged pilgrim, I feel so helpless and useless. Ah, patient submission to God's will,contentment with His appointments, and gratitude for His provisions — are also a part of spiritual "fruit." Nor need you be inactive, though confined to your bed. You now have leisure, denied to those earning their bread, and mothers of young families — to engage in the holy work of intercessionfor God's servants and people. Seek to be an example of cheerfulness. Remember, "The hoary head is a crown of glory — if it is found in the way of righteousness" (Prov 16:31), otherwise, it is a disgrace to Christ and a stumbling-block to the young!
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