Internal Salvation. 2
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2. For our second main division we will consider the EVIDENCES of this "good work." The great question which exercises every quickened soul is, Has this "good work" begun in me? This is a matter which causes him the deepest possible concern, far more so than anything connected with his temporal interests. All other considerations fade into utter insignificance before this momentous inquiry: Has a miracle of grace been wrought in my soul? Is it possible for me to be sure? Many answer, No, declaring that this is a profound mystery which it is impossible for any man to elucidate, insisting thatassurance is but proud presumption. But God’s Word declares, "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16). Against this Divine declaration, all human objections are worthless.
Again, we read in the Word of Truth, "These things have I written unto you who believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Therefore, assurance is both possible and desirable. In view of these passages it is clear that we may ascertain whether or not this good work has been wrought in us. But how? By its effects. Recall for a moment the nature of this "good work." It is Divine: therefore it must be far above anything the creature can produce. Yet it is incomplete: therefore we must not look for something already completed. It is internal: therefore we must look within, if we are to identify it. This good work is wrought by the Holy Spirit in the heart—it is something which He imparts and produces there, and it is discoverable by the effects which the change makes there. In developing this point we will endeavor to be very plain and simple.
First, a HARROWED heart is an inevitable effect of the Spirit’s good work. By nature the heart of fallen man is as hard as sun-baked ground after a long drought. Its possessor is quite unconcerned about his eternal destiny, utterly indifferent whether God’s smile or God’s frown is upon him. He is thoroughly in love with sin, and a total stranger to any grief occasioned by having displeased and dishonored the Most High God. But when a work of Divine grace is begun in him—all this is changed! It is like plentiful showers of rain falling upon and moistening the earth. His heart is softened and chastened. In consequence, he is deeply exercised as to his eternal destiny, greatly troubled over his past carelessness and wickedness, fearful that he has so sinned away his day of grace that he is beyond the reach of mercy. His heart is sore wounded at the realization he has offended so grievously against God.
Second, an HONEST heart is a sure proof that this good work has begun in him. "That on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it" (Luke 8:15)—this is what distinguishes them from the barren-ground believers. But note well the order: the heart must be made "honest" before it can rightly be designated "good." An honest heart is indeed a rare and wonderful thing. By nature our hearts are thoroughly deceitful and hypocritical: that is why we love to be flattered and fish for compliments; that is why when the preacher is conscious of having failed, he is most anxious to be told his sermon was an excellent one; that is why we are pleased when the photographer conceals our defects. Now that streak of deceitfulness is not removed at regeneration, but a principle of honesty is imparted.
Ah, that is the very thing I am exercised about—for who knows better than myself how two-faced I am! If I am to be weighed against the balance of genuine honesty, I am certain to be "found lacking." Not so fast, dear friend. Let me point out how you may discover whether this principle of honesty is in you. If it is, then you are greatly afraid of being deceived in soul matters, and you earnestly beg God to search you and show you your actual state.
One with an honest heart desires to know the worst about himself! Measure yourself by that criterion: no unregenerate person can survive it, for he is determined to think well of himself, no matter what evidence there is to the contrary. One with an honest heart cries to the Lord, "If I am mistaken in supposing I am born again, reveal it to me; if I am deluded by Satan, open my eyes before it is too late." No one who lacks an honest heart will ever sincerely pray thus!
Third, a HOLY heart evidences God’s work in us. Ah, you say, that cuts me off entirely, for my heart is most unholy. Nothing you can say to the contrary can alter the fact: I am a spiritual leper, a mass of corruption, polluted at the very core of my being; and to say that such a vile creature as I am possesses a holy heart is both a mockery and a lie!
Listen: the graces of the Spirit in our hearts are like lovely flowers growing amid foul and stinking weeds. This is the grand miracle of Divine grace—that purity is planted amid impurity—a Christ-like principle is placed in soil which is earthly, sensual, devilish. Nor does that holy principle eradicate or reduce the sin which surrounds it; nay, the one in whom it dwells frequently has occasion to cry "iniquities prevail against me!" (Psalm. 65:3). But neither the presence nor the power of indwelling sin, is any disproof of a principle of holiness in the heart. That principle is evidenced by loathing the filth which surrounds it, and grieving because of inability to exterminate it.
Again, that principle of holiness in the soul may be distinguished thus: a holy God is delighted in. You dare not say you delight in God? But do you not admire and adore His character? Do you not perceive and own His attributes are perfect? Do you not crave after and seek unto communion with Him? The unregenerate do not! that is the last thing they want! Are not your most joyous moments those which are spent in fellowship with God, a brief foretaste of Heaven? Do you not long to be conformed to His image?
These are some of the certain marks of a principle of holiness in the heart, none of which are the products of mere nature, nor can they be attributed unto any refinings of the flesh. A work of grace must be wrought in the heart—before the heart desires, seeks after, delights in God.
Fourth, a HUMBLE heart is another sure evidence of the "good work" having been performed in it. Necessarily so, for nothing is more characteristic of fallen man than self-delight and self-satisfaction. If, then, a person genuinely loathes himself, if he frankly acknowledges his very righteousnesses are as filthy rags—then a miracle of grace must have been wrought within him. Yes, says the dubious reader, I freely endorse the truth of that—yet I certainly dare not lay claim to possessing a humble heart. How can I, when I am fully conscious of the fact that I am so often filled with pride? Why, I am such a conceited creature, that I take credit for the faithful discharge of duties, and pat myself on the back when I have had liberty at prayer. Even if I am chastened for a season, I congratulate myself on my growing humility. No, my heart is very far from being a lowly one!
Let it be pointed out, then, that the presence of spiritual humility does not destroy or even refine natural pride. No, not in that direction must we look for proofs of its existence. Where, then? Here—if regenerated you dare not, you cannot, you could not make yourself get alone with God and boast before Him. Yet the Pharisee does! (Luke 18:11) Then you are not a Pharisee, dear friend. When before God—you disown all worthiness of your own, and cast yourself upon His bare grace. Do you? Yes! then that proves there is a principle of true humility in your heart. Are you not thoroughly convinced that if ever you are justified, it must be by and because of the righteousness of Christ—and that alone? But no self-righteous person will allow that. Are you not deeply distressed over the workings of pride in your heart? You would not be so if there were no spiritual principle of humility in you. No unregenerate person ever grieves over the swellings of pride and self-delight.
Now, dear reader, we have sought to show that the "good work" which the Spirit has begun in those whom He has brought from death unto life may, be discovered by the effects which it produces upon its favored subjects. Those effects we have summed up in a harrowed, honest, holy, and humble heart. These are the sure indexes—the marks—the infallible criteria by which we may identify the Spirit’s miracle of grace. Such lovely graces are not the native product of earth’s human soil. No! they come down from above and are planted in the soul at regeneration.
3. The third main division, is to consider the COMPLETION of this good work. "He who has begun a good work in you will finish it until the day of Jesus Christ." One of the things which occasion most concern unto those who have a little assurance, is that the work of Divine grace within them is making such small progress, nay, it often seems, none at all; that there is no growth in grace, no fruitfulness. To those who mourn over this, the above is indeed a precious promise.
First, it is an absolute and unconditional promise; there are no provisos or stipulations attached to it. The good work proceeds as it began—altogether apart from creature worthiness or creature efforts. And, we may add, its continuation, like its beginning, is perceivably only by the effects which are produced.
Second, it is a promise made good by pure grace, notwithstanding innumerable failures and sins. In himself, the believer is just as unworthy at the close of his pilgrimage—as he was when the good work was begun in him. It is all of grace from first to last.
Third, this promise is one which issues from the eternal and immutable love of God, which is solemnly pledged in the Everlasting Covenant and guaranteed by the infinitely meritorious work of Christ.
Fourth, this promise is secured by Divine omnipotence—despite indwelling sin, a hostile world, an opposing Devil. "Being confident of this very thing—that He who has begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." O what thanks and praise are due unto Him who enables the believer to say, "The Lord will perfect that which concerns me! Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever!" (Psalm 138:8)
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