View source for Talk like an angel—and live like a devil

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<p>There is "a knowledge of the things of God" which a man may possess without a personal experience of the new birth—without any divine operation upon his soul whatever, or any participation of the grace of God.<br><br> From reading the scriptures and hearing the Gospel preached, many attain to <em>a carnal, intellectual, barren head knowledge of the truth</em>—who, as to any<strong> </strong><em>experimental, vital, saving acquaintance</em> with it, are still in the very gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.<br><br> A man may have the 'knowledge of an <em>apostle'</em>—and the 'worldliness of a <em>Demas.'</em> He may be clear in <em>head</em>—and rotten in <em>heart.</em> He may<strong> talk like an angel</strong>—<strong>and live like a devil.</strong> He may understand all mysteries and all knowledge—and be nothing but a hypocrite and an impostor. In our day such characters abound in the churches.<br><br>
But distinct from this "head knowledge," as distinct from it as heaven from hell, there is a most blessed "spiritual knowledge" of the things of God, with which the people of God are favoured. "Then <em>He opened their understanding</em> that they might understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45