The knowledge of the holy : the attributes of God, their meaning in the Christian life

TheKnowledgeoftheHoly

byA.W.Tozer

(Authorof“ThePursuitofGod”)TableofContents

PREFACE

Chapter1WhyWeMustThinkRightlyAboutGod

Chapter2GodIncomprehensible

Chapter3ADivineAttribute:SomethingTrueAboutGodChapter4TheHolyTrinity

Chapter5TheSelf-existenceofGodChapter6TheSelf-sufficiencyofGod

Chapter7TheEternityofGod

Chapter8God’sInfinitude

Chapter9TheImmutabilityofGodChapter10TheDivineOmniscienceChapter11TheWisdomofGodChapter12TheOmnipotenceofGod

Chapter13TheDivineTranscendence

Chapter14God’sOmnipresenceChapter15TheFaithfulnessofGodChapter16TheGoodnessofGodChapter17TheJusticeofGodChapter18TheMercyofGodChapter19TheGraceofGodChapter20TheLoveofGod

Chapter21TheHolinessofGod

Chapter22TheSovereigntyofGod

Chapter23TheOpenSecret

PREFACE

Truereligionconfrontsearthwithheavenandbringseternitytobearupontime.ThemessengerofChrist,thoughhespeaksfromGod,mustalso,astheQuakersusedtosay,speaktotheconditionofhishearers;otherwisehewillspeakalanguageknownonlytohimself.Hismessagemustbenotonlytimelessbuttimely.Hemustspeaktohisowngeneration.

Themessageofthisbookdoesnotgrowoutofthesetimesbutitisappropriatetothem.ItiscalledforthbyaconditionwhichhasexistedintheChurchforsomeyearsandissteadilygrowingworse.Irefertothelossoftheconceptofmajestyfromthepopularreligiousmind.TheChurchhassurrenderedheronceloftyconceptofGodandhassubstitutedforitonesolow,soignoble,astobeutterlyunworthyofthinking,worshippingmen.Thisshehasdonenotdeliberately,butlittlebylittleandwithoutherknowledge;andherveryunawarenessonlymakeshersituationallthemoretragic.

ThelowviewofGodentertainedalmostuniversallyamongChristiansisthecauseofahundredlesserevilseverywhereamongus.AwholenewphilosophyoftheChristianlifehasresultedfromthisonebasicerrorinourreligiousthinking.

WithourlossofthesenseofmajestyhascomethefurtherlossofreligiousaweandconsciousnessofthedivinePresence.WehavelostourspiritofworshipandourabilitytowithdrawinwardlytomeetGodinadoringsilence.ModernChristianityissimplynotproducingthekindofChristianwhocanappreciateorexperiencethelifeintheSpirit.Thewords,Bestill,andknowthatIamGod,meannexttonothingtotheself-confident,bustlingworshipperinthismiddleperiodofthetwentiethcentury.

Thislossoftheconceptofmajestyhascomejustwhentheforcesofreligionaremakingdramaticgainsandthechurchesaremoreprosperousthanatanytimewithinthepastseveralhundredyears.Butthealarmingthingisthatourgainsaremostlyexternalandourlosseswhollyinternal;andsinceitisthequalityofourreligionthatisaffectedbyinternalconditions,itmaybethatoursupposedgainsarebutlossesspreadoverawiderfield.

Theonlywaytorecoupourspirituallossesistogobacktothecauseofthemandmakesuchcorrectionsasthetruthwarrants.Thedeclineoftheknowledgeoftheholyhasbroughtonourtroubles.ArediscoveryofthemajestyofGodwillgoalongwaytowardcuringthem.ItisimpossibletokeepourmoralpracticessoundandourinwardattitudesrightwhileourideaofGodiserroneousorinadequate.Ifwewouldbringbackspiritualpowertoourlives,wemustbegintothinkofGodmorenearlyasHeis.

AsmyhumblecontributiontoabetterunderstandingoftheMajestyintheheavensIofferthisreverentstudyoftheattributesofGod.WereChristianstodayreadingsuchworksasthoseofAugustineorAnselmabooklikethiswouldhavenoreasonforbeing.ButsuchilluminatedmastersareknowntomodernChristiansonlybyname.Publishersdutifullyreprinttheirbooksandinduetimetheseappearontheshelvesofourstudies.Butthewholetroubleliesrightthere:theyremainontheshelves.ThecurrentreligiousmoodmakesthereadingofthemvirtuallyimpossibleevenforeducatedChristians.

ApparentlynotmanyChristianswillwadethroughhundredsofpagesofheavyreligiousmatterrequiringsustainedconcentration.Suchbooksremindtoomanypersonsofthesecularclassicstheywereforcedtoreadwhiletheywereinschoolandtheyturnawayfromthemwithafeelingofdiscouragement.

Forthatreasonaneffortsuchasthismaybenotwithoutsomebeneficialeffect.Sincethisbookisneitheresotericnortechnical,andsinceitiswritteninthelanguageofworshipwithnopretensiontoelegantliterarystyle,perhapssomepersonsmaybedrawntoreadit.WhileIbelievethatnothingwillbefoundherecontrarytosoundChristiantheology,IyetwritenotforprofessionaltheologiansbutforplainpersonswhoseheartsstirthemuptoseekafterGodHimself.

Itismyhopethatthissmallbookmaycontributesomewhattothepromotionofpersonalheartreligionamongus;andshouldafewpersonsbyreadingitbeencouragedtobeginthepracticeofreverentmeditationonthebeingofGod,thatwillmorethanrepaythelaborrequiredtoproduceit.

A.W.Tozer

Chapter1

WhyWeMustThinkRightlyAboutGod

O,LordGodAlmighty,nottheGodofthephilosophersandthewisebuttheGodoftheprophetsandapostles;andbetterthanall,theGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,mayIexpressTheeunblamed?

TheythatknowTheenotmaycalluponTheeasotherthanThouart,andsoworshipnotTheebutacreatureoftheirownfancy;thereforeenlightenourmindsthatwemayknowTheeasThouart,sothatwemayperfectlyloveTheeandworthilypraiseThee.

InthenameofJesusChristourLord.Amen.

WhatcomesintoourmindswhenwethinkaboutGodisthemostimportantthingaboutus.

Thehistoryofmankindwillprobablyshowthatnopeoplehaseverrisenaboveitsreligion,andmansspiritualhistorywillpositivelydemonstratethatnoreligionhaseverbeengreaterthanitsideaofGod.WorshipispureorbaseastheworshiperentertainshighorlowthoughtsofGod.

ForthisreasonthegravestquestionbeforetheChurchisalwaysGodHimself,andthemostportentousfactaboutanymanisnotwhatheatagiventimemaysayordo,butwhatheinhisdeepheartconceivesGodtobelike.WetendbyasecretlawofthesoultomovetowardourmentalimageofGod.ThisistruenotonlyoftheindividualChristian,butofthecompanyofChristiansthatcomposestheChurch.AlwaysthemostrevealingthingabouttheChurchisherideaofGod,justashermostsignificantmessageiswhatshesaysaboutHimorleavesunsaid,forhersilenceisoftenmoreeloquentthanherspeech.Shecanneverescapetheself-disclosureofherwitnessconcerningGod.

Wereweabletoextractfromanymanacompleteanswertothequestion,WhatcomesintoyourmindwhenyouthinkaboutGod?wemightpredictwithcertaintythespiritualfutureofthatman.WereweabletoknowexactlywhatourmostinfluentialreligiousleadersthinkofGodtoday,wemightbeablewithsomeprecisiontoforetellwheretheChurchwillstandtomorrow.

Withoutdoubt,themightiestthoughtthemindcanentertainisthethoughtofGod,andtheweightiestwordinanylanguageisitswordforGod.ThoughtandspeechareGodsgiftstocreaturesmadeinHisimage;theseareintimatelyassociatedwithHimandimpossibleapartfromHim.ItishighlysignificantthatthefirstwordwastheWord:AndtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod.WemayspeakbecauseGodspoke.InHimwordandideaareindivisible.

ThatourideaofGodcorrespondasnearlyaspossibletothetruebeingofGodisofimmenseimportancetous.ComparedwithouractualthoughtsaboutHim,ourcreedalstatementsareoflittleconsequence.OurrealideaofGodmaylieburiedundertherubbishofconventionalreligiousnotionsandmayrequireanintelligentandvigoroussearchbeforeitisfinallyunearthedandexposedforwhatitis.Onlyafteranordealofpainfulself-probingarewelikelytodiscoverwhatweactuallybelieveaboutGod.

ArightconceptionofGodisbasicnotonlytosystematictheologybuttopracticalChristianlivingaswell.Itistoworshipwhatthefoundationistothetemple;whereitisinadequateoroutofplumbthewholestructuremustsoonerorlatercollapse.IbelievethereisscarcelyanerrorindoctrineorafailureinapplyingChristianethicsthatcannotbetracedfinallytoimperfectandignoblethoughtsaboutGod.

ItismyopinionthattheChristianconceptionofGodcurrentinthesemiddleyearsofthetwentiethcenturyissodecadentastobeutterlybeneaththedignityoftheMostHighGodandactuallytoconstituteforprofessedbelieverssomethingamountingtoamoralcalamity.

Alltheproblemsofheavenandearth,thoughtheyweretoconfrontustogetherandatonce,wouldbenothingcomparedwiththeoverwhelmingproblemofGod:ThatHeis;whatHeislike;andwhatweasmoralbeingsmustdoaboutHim.

ThemanwhocomestoarightbeliefaboutGodisrelievedoftenthousandtemporalproblems,forheseesatoncethatthesehavetodowithmatterswhichatthemostcannotconcernhimforverylong;butevenifthemultipleburdensoftimemaybeliftedfromhim,theonemightysingleburdenofeternitybeginstopressdownuponhimwithaweightmorecrushingthanallthewoesoftheworldpiledoneuponanother.ThatmightyburdenishisobligationtoGod.ItincludesaninstantandlifelongdutytoloveGodwitheverypowerofmindandsoul,to

obeyHimperfectly,andtoworshipHimacceptably.Andwhenthemanslaboringconsciencetellshimthathehasdonenoneofthesethings,buthasfromchildhoodbeenguiltyoffoulrevoltagainsttheMajestyintheheavens,theinnerpressureofself-accusationmaybecometooheavytobear.

Thegospelcanliftthisdestroyingburdenfromthemind,givebeautyforashes,andthegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness.Butunlesstheweightoftheburdenisfeltthegospelcanmeannothingtotheman;anduntilheseesavisionofGodhighandliftedup,therewillbenowoeandnoburden.LowviewsofGoddestroythegospelforallwhoholdthem.

Amongthesinstowhichthehumanheartisprone,hardlyanyotherismorehatefultoGodthanidolatry,foridolatryisatbottomalibelonHischaracter.TheidolatrousheartassumesthatGodisotherthanHeis-initselfamonstroussin-andsubstitutesforthetrueGodonemadeafteritsownlikeness.AlwaysthisGodwillconformtotheimageoftheonewhocreateditandwillbebaseorpure,cruelorkind,accordingtothemoralstateofthemindfromwhichitemerges.

AgodbegottenintheshadowsofafallenheartwillquitenaturallybenotruelikenessofthetrueGod.Thouthoughtest,saidtheLordtothewickedmaninthepsalm,thatIwasaltogethersuchasoneasthyself.SurelythismustbeaseriousaffronttotheMostHighGodbeforewhomcherubimandseraphimcontinuallydocry,Holy,holy,holy,LordGodofSabaoth.

Letusbewarelestweinourprideaccepttheerroneousnotionthatidolatryconsistsonlyinkneelingbeforevisibleobjectsofadoration,andthatcivilizedpeoplesarethereforefreefromit.TheessenceofidolatryistheentertainmentofthoughtsaboutGodthatareunworthyofHim.Itbeginsinthemindandmaybepresentwherenoovertactofworshiphastakenplace.

WhentheyknewGod,wrotePaul,theyglorifiedhimnotasGod,neitherwerethankful;butbecamevainintheirimaginations,andtheirfoolishheartwasdarkened.

Thenfollowedtheworshipofidolsfashionedafterthelikenessofmenandbirdsandbeastsandcreepingthings.Butthisseriesofdegradingactsbeganinthemind.WrongideasaboutGodarenotonlythefountainfromwhichthepollutedwatersofidolatryflow;theyarethemselvesidolatrous.Theidolatersimply

imaginesthingsaboutGodandactsasiftheyweretrue.

PervertednotionsaboutGodsoonrotthereligioninwhichtheyappear.ThelongcareerofIsraeldemonstratesthisclearlyenough,andthehistoryoftheChurchconfirmsit.SonecessarytotheChurchisaloftyconceptofGodthatwhenthatconceptinanymeasuredeclines,theChurchwithherworshipandhermoralstandardsdeclinesalongwithit.ThefirststepdownforanychurchistakenwhenitsurrendersitshighopinionofGod.

BeforetheChristianChurchgoesintoeclipseanywheretheremustfirstbeacorruptingofhersimplebasictheology.Shesimplygetsawronganswertothequestion,WhatisGodlike?andgoesonfromthere.Thoughshemaycontinuetoclingtoasoundnominalcreed,herpracticalworkingcreedhasbecomefalse.ThemassesofheradherentscometobelievethatGodisdifferentfromwhatHeactuallyis;andthatisheresyofthemostinsidiousanddeadlykind.

TheheaviestobligationlyingupontheChristianChurchtodayistopurifyandelevateherconceptofGoduntilitisoncemoreworthyofHim-andofher.Inallherprayersandlaborsthisshouldhavefirstplace.WedothegreatestservicetothenextgenerationofChristiansbypassingontothemundimmedandundiminishedthatnobleconceptofGodwhichwereceivedfromourHebrewandChristianfathersofgenerationspast.Thiswillproveofgreatervaluetothemthananythingthatartorsciencecandevise.

O,GodofBethel,bywhosehand

Thypeoplestillarefed;

Whothroughthiswearypilgrimage

Hastallourfathersled!

Ourvows,ourprayerswenowpresent

BeforeThythroneofgrace:

Godofourfathers!betheGod

Oftheirsucceedingrace.

PhilipDoddridge

Chapter2

GodIncomprehensible

Lord,howgreatisourdilemma!InThyPresencesilencebestbecomesus,butloveinflamesourheartsandconstrainsustospeak.

Werewetoholdourpeacethestoneswouldcryout;yetifwespeak,whatshallwesay?Teachustoknowthatwecannotknow,forthethingsofGodknowethnoman,buttheSpiritofGod.Letfaithsupportuswherereasonfails,andweshallthinkbecausewebelieve,notinorderthatwemaybelieve.

InJesusname.Amen.

Thechild,thephilosopher,andthereligionisthaveallonequestion:WhatisGodlike?

Thisbookisanattempttoanswerthatquestion.YetattheoutsetImustacknowledgethatitcannotbeansweredexcepttosaythatGodisnotlikeanything;thatis,Heisnotexactlylikeanythingoranybody.

Welearnbyusingwhatwealreadyknowasabridgeoverwhichwepasstotheunknown.Itisnotpossibleforthemindtocrashsuddenlypastthefamiliarintothetotallyunfamiliar.Eventhemostvigorousanddaringmindisunabletocreatesomethingoutofnothingbyaspontaneousactofimagination.Thosestrangebeingsthatpopulatetheworldofmythologyandsuperstitionarenotpurecreationsoffancy.Theimaginationcreatedthembytakingtheordinaryinhabitantsofearthandairandseaandextendingtheirfamiliarformsbeyondtheirnormalboundaries,orbymixingtheformsoftwoormoresoastoproducesomethingnew.Howeverbeautifulorgrotesquethesemaybe,theirprototypescanalwaysbeidentified.Theyarelikesomethingwealreadyknow.

TheeffortofinspiredmentoexpresstheineffablehasplacedagreatstrainuponboththoughtandlanguageintheHolyScriptures.Thesebeingoftenarevelationofaworldabovenature,andthemindsforwhichtheywerewrittenbeingapartofnature,thewritersarecompelledtouseagreatmanylikewordstomakethemselvesunderstood.

WhentheSpiritwouldacquaintuswithsomethingthatliesbeyondthefieldofourknowledge,Hetellsusthatthisthingislikesomethingwealreadyknow,butHeisalwayscarefultophraseHisdescriptionsoastosaveusfromslavishliteralism.Forexample,whentheprophetEzekielsawheavenopenedandbeheldvisionsofGod,hefoundhimselflookingatthatwhichhehadnolanguagetodescribe.Whathewasseeingwaswhollydifferentfromanythinghehadeverknownbefore,sohefellbackuponthelanguageofresemblance.Asforthelikenessofthelivingcreatures,theirappearancewaslikeburningcoalsoffire.

Thenearerheapproachestotheburningthronethelesssurehiswordsbecome:Andabovethefirmamentthatwasovertheirheadswasthelikenessofathrone,astheappearanceofasapphirestone:anduponthelikenessofthethronewasthelikenessastheappearanceofamanaboveuponit.AndIsawasthecolourofamber,astheappearanceoffireroundaboutwithinit….ThiswastheappearanceofthelikenessofthegloryoftheLord.

Strangeasthislanguageis,itstilldoesnotcreatetheimpressionofunreality.Onegathersthatthewholesceneisveryrealbutentirelyalientoanythingmenknowonearth.So,inordertoconveyanideaofwhathesees,theprophetmustemploysuchwordsaslikeness,appearance,asitwere,andthelikenessoftheappearance.EventhethronebecomestheappearanceofathroneandHethatsitsuponit,thoughlikeaman,issounlikeonethatHecanbedescribedonlyasthelikenessoftheappearanceofaman.

WhentheScripturestatesthatmanwasmadeintheimageofGod,wedarenotaddtothatstatementanideafromourownheadandmakeitmeanintheexactimage.TodosoistomakemanareplicaofGod,andthatistolosetheunicityofGodandendwithnoGodatall.Itistobreakdownthewall,infinitelyhigh,thatseparatesThat-which-is-Godfromthat-which-is-not-God.TothinkofcreatureandCreatorasalikeinessentialbeingistorobGodofmostofHisattributesandreduceHimtothestatusofacreature.Itis,forinstance,torobHimofHisinfinitude:therecannotbetwounlimitedsubstancesintheuniverse.ItistotakeawayHissovereignty:therecannotbetwoabsolutelyfreebeingsintheuniverse,forsoonerorlatertwocompletelyfreewillsmustcollide.Theseattributes,tomentionnomore,requirethattherebebutonetowhomtheybelong.

WhenwetrytoimaginewhatGodislikewemustofnecessityusethat-which-is-not-Godastherawmaterialforourmindstoworkon;hencewhateverwe

visualizeGodtobe,Heisnot,forwehaveconstructedourimageoutofthatwhichHehasmadeandwhatHehasmadeisnotGod.IfweinsistupontryingtoimagineHim,weendwithanidol,madenotwithhandsbutwiththoughts;andanidolofthemindisasoffensivetoGodasanidolofthehand.

TheintellectknoweththatitisignorantofThee,saidNicholasofCusa,becauseitknowethThoucanstnotbeknown,unlesstheunknowablecouldbeknown,andtheinvisiblebeheld,andtheinaccessibleattained.

IfanyoneshouldsetforthanyconceptbywhichThoucanstbeconceived,saysNicholasagain,IknowthatthatconceptisnotaconceptofThee,foreveryconceptisendedinthewallofParadise….Sotoo,ifanyweretotelloftheunderstandingofThee,wishingtosupplyameanswherebyThoumightestbeunderstood,thismanisyetfarfromThee….forasmuchasThouartabsoluteabovealltheconceptswhichanymancanframe.

LefttoourselveswetendimmediatelytoreduceGodtomanageableterms.WewanttogetHimwherewecanuseHim,oratleastknowwhereHeiswhenweneedHim.WewantaGodwecaninsomemeasurecontrol.WeneedthefeelingofsecuritythatcomesfromknowingwhatGodislike,andwhatHeislikeisofcourseacompositeofallthereligiouspictureswehaveseen,allthebestpeoplewehaveknownorheardabout,andallthesublimeideaswehaveentertained.

Ifallthissoundsstrangetomodernears,itisonlybecausewehaveforafullhalfcenturytakenGodforgranted.ThegloryofGodhasnotbeenrevealedtothisgenerationofmen.TheGodofcontemporaryChristianityisonlyslightlysuperiortothegodsofGreeceandRome,ifindeedHeisnotactuallyinferiortotheminthatHeisweakandhelplesswhiletheyatleasthadpower.

IfwhatweconceiveGodtobeHeisnot,howthenshallwethinkofHim?IfHeisindeedincomprehensible,astheCreeddeclaresHimtobe,andunapproachable,asPaulsaysHeis,howcanweChristianssatisfyourlongingafterHim?Thehopefulwords,Acquaintnowthyselfwithhim,andbeatpeace,stillstandafterthepassingofthecenturies;buthowshallweacquaintourselveswithOnewhoeludesallthestrainingeffortsofmindandheart?Andhowshallwebeheldaccountabletoknowwhatcannotbeknown?

CanstthoubysearchingfindoutGod?asksZophartheNaamathite;canstthoufindouttheAlmightyuntoperfection?Itishighasheaven;whatcanstthoudo?

deeperthanhell;whatcanstthouknow?NeitherknowethanymantheFather,savetheSon,saidourLord,andhetowhomsoevertheSonwillrevealhim.TheGospelaccordingtoJohnrevealsthehelplessnessofthehumanmindbeforethegreatMysterywhichisGod,andPaulinFirstCorinthiansteachesthatGodcanbeknownonlyastheHolySpiritperformsintheseekingheartanactofself-disclosure.

TheyearningtoknowWhatcannotbeknown,tocomprehendtheIncomprehensible,totouchandtastetheUnapproachable,arisesfromtheimageofGodinthenatureofman.Deepcallethuntodeep,andthoughpollutedandlandlockedbythemightydisastertheologianscalltheFall,thesoulsensesitsoriginandlongstoreturntoitsSource.Howcanthisberealized?

TheansweroftheBibleissimplythroughJesusChristourLord.InChristandbyChrist,Godeffectscompleteself-disclosure,althoughHeshowsHimselfnottoreasonbuttofaithandlove.Faithisanorganofknowledge,andloveanorganofexperience.Godcametousintheincarnation;inatonementHereconciledustoHimself,andbyfaithandloveweenterandlayholdonHim.

VerilyGodisofinfinitegreatness,saysChristsenrapturedtroubadour,RichardRolle;morethanwecanthink;…unknowablebycreatedthings;andcanneverbecomprehendedbyusasHeisinHimself.Butevenhereandnow,whenevertheheartbeginstoburnwithadesireforGod,sheismadeabletoreceivetheuncreatedlightand,inspiredandfulfilledbythegiftsoftheHolyGhost,shetastesthejoysofheaven.Shetranscendsallvisiblethingsandisraisedtothesweetnessofeternallife….

Hereintrulyisperfectlove;whenalltheintentofthemind,allthesecretworkingoftheheart,isliftedupintotheloveofGod.

ThatGodcanbeknownbythesoulintenderpersonalexperiencewhileremaininginfinitelyalooffromthecuriouseyesofreasonconstitutesaparadoxbestdescribedas

Darknesstotheintellect

Butsunshinetotheheart.

FrederickW.Faber

TheauthorofthecelebratedlittleworkTheCloudofUnknowingdevelopsthisthesisthroughouthisbook.InapproachingGod,hesays,theseekerdiscoversthatthedivineBeingdwellsinobscurity,hiddenbehindacloudofunknowing;neverthelessheshouldnotbediscouragedbutsethiswillwithanakedintentuntoGod.ThiscloudisbetweentheseekerandGodsothathemayneverseeGodclearlybythelightofunderstandingnorfeelHimintheemotions.ButbythemercyofGodfaithcanbreakthroughintoHisPresenceiftheseekerbutbelievetheWordandpresson.

MichaeldeMolinos,theSpanishsaint,taughtthesamething.InhisSpiritualGuidehesaysthatGodwilltakethesoulbythehandandleadherthroughthewayofpurefaith,andcausingtheunderstandingtoleavebehindallconsiderationsandreasoningsHedrawsherforward….ThusHecausesherbymeansofasimpleandobscureknowledgeoffaithtoaspireonlytoherBridegroomuponthewingsoflove.

FortheseandsimilarteachingsMolinoswascondemnedasahereticbytheInquisitionandsentencedtolifeimprisonment.Hesoondiedinprison,butthetruthhetaughtcanneverdie.SpeakingoftheChristiansoulhesays:Lethersupposethatallthewholeworldandthemostrefinedconceptionsofthewisestintellectscantellhernothing,andthatthegoodnessandbeautyofherBelovedinfinitelysurpassalltheirknowledge,beingpersuadedthatallcreaturesaretoorudetoinformherandtoconducthertothetrueknowledgeofGod….Sheoughtthentogoforwardwithherlove,leavingallherunderstandingbehind.LetherloveGodasHeisinHimself,andnotasherimaginationsaysHeis,andpicturesHim.

WhatisGodlike?IfbythatquestionwemeanWhatisGodlikeinHimself?thereisnoanswer.IfwemeanWhathasGoddisclosedaboutHimselfthatthereverentreasoncancomprehend?thereis,Ibelieve,ananswerbothfullandsatisfying.ForwhilethenameofGodissecretandHisessentialnatureincomprehensible,HeincondescendinglovehasbyrevelationdeclaredcertainthingstobetrueofHimself.ThesewecallHisattributes.

SovereignFather,heavenlyKing,

Theewenowpresumetosing;

Gladthineattributesconfess,

Gloriousall,andnumberless.

CharlesWesley

Chapter3

ADivineAttribute:

SomethingTrueAboutGod

Majestyunspeakable,mysouldesirestobeholdThee.IcrytoTheefromthedust.

YetwhenIinquireafterThynameitissecret.Thouarthiddeninthelightwhichnomancanapproachunto.WhatThouartcannotbethoughtoruttered,forThygloryisineffable.

Still,prophetandpsalmist,apostleandsainthaveencouragedmetobelievethatImayinsomemeasureknowThee.Therefore,Ipray,whateverofThyselfThouhastbeenpleasedtodisclose,helpmetosearchoutastreasuremorepreciousthanrubiesorthemerchandiseoffinegold:forwithTheeshallIlivewhenthestarsofthetwilightarenomoreandtheheavenshavevanishedawayandonlyThouremainest.Amen.

ThestudyoftheattributesofGod,farfrombeingdullandheavy,mayfortheenlightenedChristianbeasweetandabsorbingspiritualexercise.TothesoulthatisathirstforGod,nothingcouldbemoredelightful.

OnlytositandthinkofGod,

Ohwhatajoyitis!

Tothinkthethought,tobreaththeNameEarthhasnohigherbliss.

FrederickW.Faber

Itwouldseemtobenecessarybeforeproceedingfurthertodefinethewordattributeasitisusedinthisvolume.Itisnotusedinitsphilosophicalsensenorconfinedtoitsstrictesttheologicalmeaning.ByitismeantsimplywhatevermaybecorrectlyascribedtoGod.ForthepurposeofthisbookanattributeofGodiswhateverGodhasinanywayrevealedasbeingtrueofHimself.

Andthisbringsustothequestionofthenumberofthedivineattributes.Religiousthinkershavedifferedaboutthis.Somehaveinsistedthatthereareseven,butFabersangoftheGodofathousandattributes,andCharlesWesleyexclaimed,Glorythineattributesconfess,Gloriousallandnumberless.

True,thesemenwereworshiping,notcounting;butwemightbewisetofollowtheinsightoftheenrapturedheartratherthanthemorecautiousreasoningsofthetheologicalmind.IfanattributeissomethingthatistrueofGod,wemayaswellnottrytoenumeratethem.Furthermore,tothismeditationonthebeingofGodthenumberoftheattributesisnotimportant,foronlyalimitedfewwillbementionedhere.

IfanattributeissomethingtrueofGod,itisalsosomethingthatwecanconceiveasbeingtrueofHim.God,beinginfinite,mustpossessattributesaboutwhichwecanknow.Anattribute,aswecanknowit,isamentalconcept,anintellectualresponsetoGodsself-revelation.Itisananswertoaquestion,thereplyGodmakestoourinterrogationconcerninghimself.

WhatisGodlike?WhatkindofGodisHe?HowmayweexpectHimtoacttowardusandtowardallcreatedthings?Suchquestionsarenotmerelyacademic.Theytouchthefar-inreachesofthehumanspirit,andtheiranswersaffectlifeandcharacteranddestiny.

Whenaskedinreverenceandtheiranswerssoughtinhumility,thesearequestionsthatcannotbutbepleasingtoourFatherwhichartinheaven.ForHewilleththatwebeoccupiedinknowingandloving,wroteJulianofNorwich,tillthetimethatweshallbefulfilledinheaven….ForofallthingsthebeholdingandthelovingoftheMakermakeththesoultoseemlessinhisownsight,andmostfillethhimwithreverentdreadandtruemeekness;withplentyofcharityforhisfellowChristians.ToourquestionsGodhasprovidedanswers;notalltheanswers,certainly,butenoughtosatisfyourintellectsandravishourhearts.TheseanswersHehasprovidedinnature,intheScriptures,andinthepersonofHisSon.

TheideathatGodrevealsHimselfinthecreationisnotheldwithmuchvigorbymodernChristians;butitis,nevertheless,setforthintheinspiredWord,especiallyinthewritingsofDavidandIsaiahintheOldTestamentandinPaulsEpistletotheRomansintheNew.IntheHolyScripturestherevelationisclearer:TheheavensdeclareThyglory,Lord,IneverystarThywisdomshines;

ButwhenoureyesbeholdThyWord,WereadThynameinfairerlines.

IsaacWatts

AnditisasacredandindispensablepartoftheChristianmessagethatthefullsun-blazeofrevelationcameattheincarnationwhentheEternalWordbecamefleshtodwellamongus.

ThoughGodinthisthreefoldrevelationhasprovidedanswerstoourquestionsconcerningHim,theanswersbynomeanslieonthesurface.Theymustbesoughtbyprayer,bylongmeditationonthewrittenWord,andbyearnestandwell-disciplinedlabor.Howeverbrightlythelightmayshine,itcanbeseenonlybythosewhoarespirituallypreparedtoreceiveit.

Blessedarethepureinheart,fortheyshallseeGod.

IfwewouldthinkaccuratelyabouttheattributesofGod,wemustlearntorejectcertainwordsthataresuretocomecrowdingintoourminds-suchwordsastrait,characteristic,quality,wordswhichareproperandnecessarywhenweareconsideringcreatedbeingsbutaltogetherinappropriatewhenwearethinkingaboutGod.WemustbreakourselvesofthehabitofthinkingoftheCreatoraswethinkofHiscreatures.Itisprobablyimpossibletothinkwithoutwords,butifwepermitourselvestothinkwiththewrongwords,weshallsoonbeentertainingerroneousthoughts;forwords,whicharegivenusfortheexpressionofthought,haveahabitofgoingbeyondtheirproperboundsanddeterminingthecontentofthought.Asnothingismoreeasythantothink,saysThomasTraherne,sonothingismoredifficultthantothinkwell.IfweeverthinkwellitshouldbewhenwethinkofGod.

Amanisthesumofhispartsandhischaracterthesumofthetraitsthatcomposeit.Thesetraitsvaryfrommantomanandmayfromtimetotimevaryfromthemselveswithinthesameman.Humancharacterisnotconstantbecausethetraitsorqualitiesthatconstituteitareunstable.Thesecomeandgo,burnloworglowwithgreatintensitythroughoutourlives.Thusamanwhoiskindandconsiderateatthirtymaybecruelandchurlishatfifty.Suchachangeispossiblebecausemanismade;heisinaveryrealsenseacomposition;heisthesumofthetraitsthatmakeuphischaracter.

WenaturallyandcorrectlythinkofmanasaworkwroughtbythedivineIntelligence.Heisbothcreatedandmade.Howhewascreatedliesundisclosed

amongthesecretsofGod;howhewasbroughtfromno-beingtobeing,fromnothingtosomethingisnotknownandmayneverbeknowntoanybuttheOnewhobroughthimforth.HowGodmadehim,however,islessofasecret,andwhileweknowonlyasmallportionofthewholetruth,wedoknowthatmanpossessesabody,asoul,andaspirit;weknowthathehasmemory,reason,will,intelligence,sensation,andweknowthattogivethesemeaninghehasthewondrousgiftofconsciousness.Weknow,too,thatthese,togetherwithvariousqualitiesoftemperament,composehistotalhumanself.

ThesearegiftsfromGodarrangedbyinfinitewisdom,notesthatmakeupthescoreofcreationsloftiestsymphony,threadsthatcomposethemastertapestryoftheuniverse.

Butinallthiswearethinkingcreature-thoughtsandusingcreature-wordstoexpressthem.NeithersuchthoughtsnorsuchwordsareappropriatetotheDeity.TheFatherismadeofnone,saystheAthanasianCreed,neithercreatednorbegotten.TheSonisoftheFatheralone,notmade,norcreated,butbegotten.TheHolySpiritisoftheFatherandtheSon:notmadenorcreated,norbegotten,butproceeding.GodexistsinHimselfandofHimself.HisbeingHeowestonoone.Hissubstanceisindivisible.HehasnopartsbutissingleinHisunitarybeing.

ThedoctrineofthedivineunitymeansnotonlythatthereisbutoneGod;itmeansalsothatGodissimple,uncomplex,onewithHimself.TheharmonyofHisbeingistheresultnotofaperfectbalanceofpartsbutoftheabsenceofparts.BetweenHisattributesnocontradictioncanexist.Heneednotsuspendonetoexerciseanother,forinHimallHisattributesareone.AllofGoddoesallthatGoddoes;Hedoesnotdividehimselftoperformawork,butworksinthetotalunityofHisbeing.

Anattribute,then,isapartofGod.ItishowGodis,andasfarasthereasoningmindcango,wemaysaythatitiswhatGodis,though,asIhavetriedtoexplain,exactlywhatHeisHecannottellus.OfwhatGodisconsciouswhenHeisconsciousofself,onlyHeknows.ThethingsofGodknowethnoman,buttheSpiritofGod.OnlytoanequalcouldGodcommunicatethemysteryofHisGodhead;andtothinkofGodashavinganequalistofallintoanintellectualabsurdity.

ThedivineattributesarewhatweknowtobetrueofGod.Hedoesnotpossess

themasqualities;theyarehowGodisasHerevealsHimselftoHiscreatures.Love,forinstance,isnotsomethingGodhasandwhichmaygrowordiminishorceasetobe.HisloveisthewayGodis,andwhenHelovesHeissimplybeingHimself.Andsowiththeotherattributes.

OneGod!oneMajesty!

ThereisnoGodbutThee!

Unbounded,unextendedUnity!

UnfathomableSea!

AlllifeisoutofThee,

andThylifeisThyblissfulUnity.

FrederickW.Faber

Chapter4

TheHolyTrinity

Godofourfathers,enthronedinlight,howrich,howmusicalisthetongueofEngland!YetwhenweattempttospeakforthThywonders,ourwordshowpoortheyseemandourspeechhowunmelodious.WhenweconsiderthefearfulmysteryofThyTriuneGodheadwelayourhanduponourmouth.Beforethatburningbushweasknottounderstand,butonlythatwemayfitlyadoreThee,OneGodinPersonsThree.Amen.

TomeditateonthethreePersonsoftheGodheadistowalkinthoughtthroughthegardeneastwardinEdenandtotreadonholyground.OursincerestefforttograsptheincomprehensiblemysteryoftheTrinitymustremainforeverfutile,andonlybydeepestreverencecanitbesavedfromactualpresumption.

SomepersonswhorejectalltheycannotexplainhavedeniedthatGodisaTrinity.SubjectingtheMostHightotheircold,level-eyedscrutiny,theyconcludethatitisimpossiblethathecouldbebothOneandThree.Theseforgetthattheirwholelifeisenshroudedinmystery.TheyfalltoconsiderthatanyrealexplanationofeventhesimplestphenomenoninnaturelieshiddeninobscurityandcannomorebeexplainedthancanthemysteryoftheGodhead.

Everymanlivesbyfaith,thenonbelieveraswellasthesaint;theonebyfaithinnaturallawsandtheotherbyfaithinGod.Everymanthroughouthisentirelifeconstantlyacceptswithoutunderstanding.Themostlearnedsagecanbereducedtosilencewithonesimplequestion,What?Theanswertothatquestionliesforeverintheabyssofunknowingbeyondanymansabilitytodiscover.Godunderstandeththewaythereof,andheknoweththeplacethereofbutmortalmannever.

ThomasCarlyle,followingPlato,picturesaman,adeeppaganthinker,whohadgrowntomaturityinsomehiddencaveandisbroughtoutsuddenlytoseethesunrise.Whatwouldhiswonderbe,exclaimsCarlyle,hisraptastonishmentatthesightwedailywitnesswithindifference!Withthefree,opensenseofachild,yetwiththeripefacultyofaman,hiswholeheartwouldbekindledbythatsight….Thisgreenfloweryrock-builtearth,thetrees,themountains,rivers,

many-soundingseas;thatgreatdeepseaofazurethatswimsoverhead;thewindssweepingthroughit;theblackcloudfashioningitselftogether,nowpouringoutfire,nowhailandrain;whatisit?Ay,what?Atbottomwedonotyetknow;wecanneverknowatall.

Howdifferentarewewhohavegrownusedtoit,whohavebecomejadedwithasatietyofwonder.Itisnotbyoursuperiorinsightthatweescapethedifficulty,saysCarlyle,itisbyoursuperiorlevity,ourinattention,ourwantofinsight.Itisbynotthinkingthatweceasetowonderatit….Wecallthatfireoftheblackthundercloudelectricity,andlecturelearnedlyaboutit,andgrindthelikeofitoutofglassandsilk:butwhatisit?Whencecomesit?Whithergoesit?Sciencehasdonemuchforus;butitisapoorsciencethatwouldhidefromusthegreatdeepsacredinfinitudeofNescience,whitherwecanneverpenetrate,onwhichallscienceswimsasameresuperficialfilm.Thisworld,afterallourscienceandsciences,isstillamiracle;wonderful,inscrutable,magicalandmore,towhosoeverwillthinkofit.

Thesepenetrating,almostprophetic,wordswerewrittenmorethanacenturyago,butnotallthebreath-takingadvancesofscienceandtechnologysincethattimehaveinvalidatedonewordorrenderedobsoleteasmuchasoneperiodorcomma.Stillwedonotknow.Wesavefacebyrepeatingfrivolouslythepopularjargonofscience.Weharnessthemightyenergythatrushesthroughourworld;wesubjectittofingertipcontrolinourcarsandourkitchens;wemakeitworkforuslikeAladdinsjinn,butstillwedonotknowwhatitis.Secularism,materialism,andtheintrusivepresenceofthingshaveputoutthelightinoursoulsandturnedusintoagenerationofzombies.Wecoverourdeepignorancewithwords,butweareashamedtowonder,weareafraidtowhispermystery.

TheChurchhasnothesitatedtoteachthedoctrineoftheTrinity.Withoutpretendingtounderstand,shehasgivenherwitness,shehasrepeatedwhattheHolyScripturesteach.SomedenythattheScripturesteachtheTrinityoftheGodheadonthegroundthatthewholeideaoftrinityinunityisacontradictioninterms;butsincewecannotunderstandthefallofaleafbytheroadsideorthehatchingofarobinsegginthenestyonder,whyshouldtheTrinitybeaproblemtous?WethinkmoreloftilyofGod,saysMichaeldeMolinos,byknowingthatHeisincomprehensible,andaboveourunderstanding,thanbyconceivingHimunderanyimage,andcreaturebeauty,accordingtoourrudeunderstanding.

NotallwhocalledthemselvesChristiansthroughthecenturieswereTrinitarians,

butasthepresenceofGodinthefierypillarglowedabovethecampofIsraelthroughoutthewildernessjourney,sayingtoalltheworld,TheseareMypeople,sobeliefintheTrinityhassincethedaysoftheapostlesshoneabovetheChurchoftheFirstbornasshejourneyeddowntheyears.Purityandpowerhavefollowedthisfaith.Underthisbannerhavegoneforthapostles,fathers,martyrs,mystics,hymnists,reformers,revivalists,andthesealofdivineapprovalhasrestedontheirlivesandtheirlabors.Howevertheymayhavedifferedonminormatters,thedoctrineoftheTrinityboundthemtogether.

WhatGoddeclaresthebelievingheartconfesseswithouttheneedoffurtherproof.Indeed,toseekproofistoadmitdoubt,andtoobtainproofistorenderfaithsuperfluous.EveryonewhopossessesthegiftoffaithwillrecognizethewisdomofthosedaringwordsofoneoftheearlyChurchfathers:IbelievethatChristdiedformebecauseitisincredible;Ibelievethatherosefromthedeadbecauseitisimpossible.

ThatwastheattitudeofAbraham,whoagainstallevidencewaxedstronginfaith,givingglorytoGod.ItwastheattitudeofAnselm,thesecondAugustine,oneofthegreatestthinkersoftheChristianera,whoheldthatfaithmustprecedeallefforttounderstand.Reflectionuponrevealedtruthnaturallyfollowstheadventoffaith,butfaithcomesfirsttothehearingear,nottothecogitatingmind.ThebelievingmandoesnotpondertheWordandarriveatfaithbyaprocessofreasoning,notdoesheseekconfirmationoffaithfromphilosophyorscience.Hiscryis,Oearth,earth,hearthewordoftheLord.Yea,letGodbetrue,buteverymanaliar.

Isthistodismissscholarshipasvaluelessinthesphereofrevealedreligion?Bynomeans.Thescholarhasavitallyimportanttasktoperformwithinacarefullyprescribedprecinct.Histaskistoguaranteethepurityofthetext,togetascloseaspossibletotheWordasoriginallygiven.HemaycompareScripturewithScriptureuntilhehasdiscoveredthetruemeaningofthetext.Butrighttherehisauthorityends.Hemustneversitinjudgmentuponwhatiswritten.HedarenotbringthemeaningoftheWordbeforethebarofhisreason.HedarenotcommendorcondemntheWordasreasonableorunreasonable,scientificorunscientific.Afterthemeaningisdiscovered,thatmeaningjudgeshim;neverdoeshejudgeit.

ThedoctrineoftheTrinityistruthfortheheart.ThespiritofmanalonecanenterthroughtheveilandpenetrateintothatHolyofHolies.LetmeseekThee

inlonging,pleadedAnselm,letmelongforTheeinseeking;letmefindTheeinlove,andloveTheeinfinding.LoveandfaithareathomeinthemysteryoftheGodhead.Letreasonkneelinreverenceoutside.

ChristdidnothesitatetousethepluralformwhenspeakingofHimselfalongwiththeFatherandtheSpirit.Wewillcomeuntohimandmakeourabodewithhim.YetagainHesaid,IandmyFatherareone.ItismostimportantthatwethinkofGodasTrinityinUnity,neitherconfoundingthePersonsnordividingtheSubstance.OnlysomaywethinkrightlyofGodandinamannerworthyofHimandofourownsouls.

ItwasourLordsclaimtoequalitywiththeFatherthatoutragedthereligionistsofHisdayandledatlasttoHiscrucifixion.TheattackonthedoctrineoftheTrinitytwocenturieslaterbyAriusandotherswasalsoaimedatChristsclaimtodeity.DuringtheAriancontroversy318Churchfathers(manyofthemmaimedandscarredbythephysicalviolencesufferedinearlierpersecutions)metatNicaeaandadoptedastatementoffaith,onesectionofwhichruns:IbelieveinoneLordJesusChrist,Theonly-begottenSonofGod,

BegottenofHimbeforeallages,GodofGod,LightofLight,

VeryGodofVeryGod,

Begotten,notmade,

BeingofonesubstancewiththeFather,Bywhomallthingsweremade.

Formorethansixteenhundredyearsthishasstoodasthefinaltestoforthodoxy,aswellitshould,foritcondensesintheologicallanguagetheteachingoftheNewTestamentconcerningthepositionoftheSonintheGodhead.

TheNiceneCreedalsopaystributetotheHolySpiritasbeingHimselfGodandequaltotheFatherandtheSon:IbelieveintheHolySpirit

TheLordandgiveroflife,

WhichproceedethfromtheFatherandtheSon,WhowiththeFatherandSontogetherIsworshippedandglorified.

ApartfromthequestionofwhethertheSpiritproceedsfromtheFatheraloneor

fromtheFatherandtheSon,thistenetoftheancientcreedhasbeenheldbytheEasternandWesternbranchesoftheChurchandbyallbutatinyminorityofChristians.

TheauthorsoftheAthanasianCreedspelledoutwithgreatcaretherelationofthethreePersonstoeachother,fillinginthegapsinhumanthoughtasfarastheywereablewhilestayingwithintheboundsoftheinspiredWord.InthisTrinity,runstheCreed,nothingisbeforeorafter,nothingisgreaterorless:butallthreePersonscoeternal,togetherandequal.

HowdothesewordsharmonizewiththesayingofJesus,MyFatherisgreaterthanI?Thoseoldtheologiansknew,andwroteintotheCreed,EqualtoHisFather,astouchingHisGodhead;lessthantheFather,astouchingHismanhood,andthisinterpretationcommendsitselftoeveryserious-mindedseekeraftertruthinaregionwherethelightisallbutblinding.

ToredeemmankindtheEternalSondidnotleavethebosomoftheFather;whilewalkingamongmenHereferredtoHimselfastheonlybegottenSonwhichisinthebosomoftheFather,andspokeofHimselfagainastheSonofmanwhichisinheaven.Wegrantmysteryhere,butnotconfusion.InHisincarnationthesonveiledHisdeity,butHedidnotvoidit.TheunityoftheGodheadmadeitimpossiblethatHeshouldsurrenderanythingofHisdeity.WhenHetookuponHimthenatureofman,HedidnotdegradeHimselforbecomeevenforatimelessthanHehadbeenbefore.GodcanneverbecomelessthanHimself.ForGodtobecomeanythingthatHehasnotbeenisunthinkable.

ThePersonsoftheGodhead,beingone,haveonewill.Theyworkalwaystogether,andneveronesmallestactisdonebyonewithouttheinstantacquiescenceoftheothertwo.EveryactofGodisaccomplishedbytheTrinityinUnity.Here,ofcourse,wearebeingdrivenbynecessitytoconceiveofGodinhumanterms.WearethinkingofGodbyanalogywithman,andtheresultmustfallshortofultimatetruth;yetifwearetothinkofGodatall,wemustdoitbyadaptingcreature-thoughtsandcreature-wordstotheCreator.ItisarealifunderstandableerrortoconceiveofthePersonsoftheGodheadasconferringwithoneanotherandreachingagreementbyinterchangeofthoughtashumansdo.IthasalwaysseemedtomethatMiltonintroducesanelementofweaknessintohiscelebratedParadiseLostwhenhepresentsthePersonsoftheGodheadconversingwitheachotherabouttheredemptionofthehumanrace.

WhentheSonofGodwalkedtheearthastheSonofMan,HespokeoftentotheFatherandtheFatheransweredHimagain;astheSonofMan,HenowintercedeswithGodforHispeople.ThedialogueinvolvingtheFatherandtheSonrecordedintheScripturesisalwaystobeunderstoodasbeingbetweentheEternalFatherandtheManChristJesus.Thatinstant,immediatecommunionbetweenthePersonsoftheGodheadwhichhasbeenfromalleternityknowsnotsoundnoreffortnormotion.

Amidtheeternalsilences

GodsendlessWordwasspoken;

NoneheardbutHewhoalwaysspake,Andthesilencewasunbroken.

Omarvellous!Oworshipful!

Nosongorsoundisheard,

Buteverywhereandeveryhour

Inlove,inwisdom,andinpower,TheFatherspeaksHisdearEternalWord.

FrederickW.Faber

ApopularbeliefamongChristiansdividetheworkofGodbetweenthethreePersons,givingaspecificparttoeach,as,forinstance,creationtotheFather,redemptiontotheSon,andregenerationtotheHolySpirit.Thisispartlytruebutnotwhollyso,forGodcannotsodivideHimselfthatonePersonworkswhileanotherisinactive.IntheScripturesthethreePersonsareshowntoactinharmoniousunityinallthemightyworksthatarewroughtthroughouttheuniverse.

IntheHolyScripturestheworkofcreationisattributedtotheFather(Gen.1:1),totheSon(Col.1;16),andtotheHolySpirit(Job.26:13andPs.104:30).TheincarnationisshowntohavebeenaccomplishedbythethreePersonsinfullaccord(Luke1:35),thoughonlytheSonbecamefleshtodwellamongus.AtChristsbaptismtheSoncameupoutofthewater,theSpiritdescendeduponHimandtheFathersvoicespokefromheaven(Matt.3:16,17).ProbablythemostbeautifuldescriptionoftheworkofatonementisfoundinHebrews9:14,whereitisstatedthatChrist,throughtheEternalSpirit,offeredHimselfwithout

spottoGod;andtherewebeholdthethreepersonsoperatingtogether.

TheresurrectionofChristislikewiseattributedvariouslytotheFather(Acts2:32),totheSon(John10:17-18),andtotheHolySpirit(Rom.1:4).ThesalvationoftheindividualmanisshownbytheapostlePetertobetheworkofallthreePersonsoftheGodhead(1Pet.1:2),andtheindwellingoftheChristianmanssoulissaidtobebytheFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit(John14:15-23).

ThedoctrineoftheTrinity,asIhavesaidbefore,istruthfortheheart.Thefactthatitcannotbesatisfactorilyexplained,insteadofbeingagainstit,isinitsfavor.Suchatruthhadtoberevealed;noonecouldhaveimaginedit.

OBlessedTrinity!

OsimplestMajesty!OThreeinOne!

ThouartforeverGodalone.

HolyTrinity!

BlessedequalThree.

OneGod,wepraiseThee.

FrederickW.Faber

Chapter5

TheSelf-existenceofGod

Lordofallbeing!ThoualonecanstaffirmIAMTHATIAM;yetwewhoaremadeinThineimagemayeachonerepeatIam,soconfessingthatwederivefromTheeandthatourwordsarebutanechoofThineown.WeacknowledgeTheetobethegreatOriginalofwhichwethroughThygoodnessaregratefulifimperfectcopies.WeworshipThee,OFatherEverlasting.Amen.

Godhasnoorigin,saidNovatiananditispreciselythisconceptofno-originwhichdistinguishesThat-which-is-GodfromwhateverisnotGod.

Originisawordthatcanapplyonlytothingscreated.WhenwethinkofanythingthathasoriginwearenotthinkingofGod.Godisself-existent,whileallcreatedthingsnecessarilyoriginatedsomewhereatsometime.AsidefromGod,nothingisself-caused.

ByourefforttodiscovertheoriginofthingsweconfessourbeliefthateverythingwasmadebySomeonewhowasmadeofnone.Byfamiliarexperiencewearetaughtthateverythingcamefromsomethingelse.Whateverexistsmusthavehadacausethatantedatesitandwasatleastequaltoit,sincethelessercannotproducethegreater.Anypersonorthingmaybeatoncebothcausedandthecauseofsomeoneorsomethingelse;andso,backtotheOnewhoisthecauseofallbutisHimselfcausedbynone.

Thechildbyhisquestion,WheredidGodcomefrom?isunwittinglyacknowledginghiscreaturehood.Alreadytheconceptofcauseandsourceandoriginisfirmlyfixedinhismind.Heknowsthateverythingaroundhimcamefromsomethingotherthanitself,andhesimplyextendsthatconceptupwardtoGod.Thelittlephilosopheristhinkingintruecreature-idiomand,allowingforhislackofbasicinformation,heisreasoningcorrectly.HemustbetoldthatGodhasnoorigin,andhewillfindthishardtograspsinceitintroducesacategorywithwhichheiswhollyunfamiliarandcontradictsthebenttowardorigin-seekingsodeeplyingrainedinallintelligentbeings,abentthatimpelsthemtoprobeeverbackandbacktowardundiscoveredbeginnings.

Tothinksteadilyofthattowhichtheideaoforigincannotapplyisnoteasy,ifindeeditispossibleatall.Justasundercertainconditionsatinypointoflightcanbeseen,notbylookingdirectly,atitbutbyfocusingtheeyesslightlytooneside,soitiswiththeideaoftheUncreated.WhenwetrytofocusourthoughtuponOnewhoispureuncreatedbeingwemay,seenothingatall,forHedwellethinlightthatnomancanapproachunto.OnlybyfaithandloveareweabletoglimpseHimashepassesbyourshelterinthecleftoftherock.Andalthoughthisknowledgeisverycloudy,vagueandgeneral,saysMichaeldeMolinos,beingsupernatural,itproducesafarmoreclearandperfectcognitionofGodthananysensibleorparticularapprehensionthatcanbeformedinthislife;sinceallcorporealandsensibleimagesareimmeasurablyremotefromGod.

Thehumanmind,beingcreated,hasanunderstandableuneasinessabouttheUncreated.WedonotfinditcomfortabletoallowforthepresenceofOnewhoiswhollyoutsideofthecircleofourfamiliarknowledge.WetendtobedisquietedbythethoughtofOnewhodoesnotaccounttousforHisbeing,whoisresponsibletonoone,whoisself-existent,self-dependentandself-sufficient.

PhilosophyandsciencehavenotalwaysbeenfriendlytowardtheideaofGod,thereasonbeingthattheyarededicatedtothetaskofaccountingforthingsandareimpatientwithanythingthatrefusestogiveanaccountofitself.Thephilosopherandthescientistwilladmitthatthereismuchthattheydonotknow;butthatisquiteanotherthingfromadmittingthatthereissomethingwhichtheycanneverknow,whichindeedtheyhavenotechniquefordiscovering.

ToadmitthatthereisOnewholiesbeyondus,whoexistsoutsideofallourcategories,whowillnotbedismissedwithaname,whowillnotappearbeforethebarofourreason,norsubmittoourcuriousinquiries:thisrequiresagreatdealofhumility,morethanmostofuspossess,sowesavefacebythinkingGoddowntoourlevel,oratleastdowntowherewecanmanageHim.YethowHeeludesus!ForHeiseverywherewhileHeisnowhere,forwherehastodowithmatterandspace,andGodisindependentofboth.Heisunaffectedbytimeormotion,iswhollyself-dependentandowesnothingtotheworldsHishandshavemade.

Timeless,spaceless,single,lonely,

YetsublimelyThree,

Thouartgrandly,always,only

GodisUnity!

Loneingrandeur,loneinglory,

WhoshalltellThywondrousstory?

AwfulTrinity!

FrederickW.Faber

ItisnotacheerfulthoughtthatmillionsofuswholiveinalandofBibles,whobelongtochurchesandlabortopromotetheChristianreligion,mayyetpassourwholelifeonthisearthwithoutoncehavingthoughtortriedtothinkseriouslyaboutthebeingofGod.FewofushaveletourheartsgazeinwonderattheIAM,theself-existentSelfbackofwhichnocreaturecanthink.Suchthoughtsaretoopainfulforus.Weprefertothinkwhereitwilldomoregood-abouthowtobuildabettermousetrap,forinstance,orhowtomaketwobladesofgrassgrowwhereonegrewbefore.Andforthiswearenowpayingatooheavypriceinthesecularlzationofourreligionandthedecayofourinnerlives.

PerhapssomesincerebutpuzzledChristianmayatthisjuncturewishtoinquireaboutthepracticalityofsuchconceptsasIamtryingtosetforthhere.Whatbearingdoesthishaveonmylife?hemayask.Whatpossiblemeaningcantheself-existenceofGodhaveformeandotherslikemeinaworldsuchasthisandintimessuchasthese?

TothisIreplythat,becausewearethehandiworkofGod,itfollowsthatallourproblemsandtheirsolutionsaretheological.SomeknowledgeofwhatkindofGoditisthatoperatestheuniverseisindispensabletoasoundphilosophyoflifeandasaneoutlookontheworldscene.

Themuch-quotedadviceofAlexanderPope,

Knowthenthyself,presumenotGodtoscan:

Theproperstudyofmankindisman,

iffollowedliterallywoulddestroyanypossibilityofmanseverknowinghimself

inanybutthemostsuperficialway.WecanneverknowwhoorwhatwearetillweknowatleastsomethingofwhatGodis.Forthisreasontheself-existenceofGodisnotawispofdrydoctrine,academicandremote;itisinfactasnearasourbreathandaspracticalasthelatestsurgicaltechnique.

ForreasonsknownonlytoHimself,GodhonoredmanaboveallotherbeingsbycreatinghiminHisownimage.Andletitbeunderstoodthatthedivineimageinmanisnotapoeticfancy,notanideabornofreligiouslonging.Itisasolidtheologicalfact,taughtplainlythroughouttheSacredScripturesandrecognizedbytheChurchasatruthnecessarytoarightunderstandingoftheChristianfaith.

Manisacreatedbeing,aderivedandcontingentself,whoofhimselfpossessesnothingbutisdependenteachmomentforhisexistenceupontheOnewhocreatedhimafterHisownlikeness.ThefactofGodisnecessarytothefactofman.ThinkGodawayandmanhasnogroundofexistence.

ThatGodiseverythingandmannothingisabasictenetofChristianfaithanddevotion;andheretheteachingsofChristianitycoincidewiththoseofthemoreadvancedandphilosophicalreligionsoftheEast.ManforallhisgeniusisbutanechooftheoriginalVoice,areflectionoftheuncreatedLight.Asasunbeamperisheswhencutofffromthesun,somanapartfromGodwouldpassbackintothevoidofnothingnessfromwhichhefirstleapedatthecreativecall.

Notmanonly,buteverythingthatexistscameoutofandisdependentuponthecontinuingcreativeimpulse.InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod….Allthingsweremadebyhimandwithouthimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade.ThatishowJohnexplainsit,andwithhimagreestheapostlePaul:Forbyhimwereallthingscreated,thatareinheavenandthatareinearth,visibleandinvisible,whethertheybethrones,ordominions,orprincipalities,orpowers:allthingswerecreatedbyhim,andforhim;andheisbeforeallthings,andbyhimallthingsconsist.TothiswitnessthewritertotheHebrewsaddshisvoice,testifyingofChristthatHeisthebrightnessofGodsgloryandtheexpressimageofHisPerson,andthatHeupholdsallthingsbythewordofHispower.

InthisutterdependenceofallthingsuponthecreativewillofGodliesthepossibilityforbothholinessandsin.OneofthemarksofGodsimageinmanishisabilitytoexercisemoralchoice.TheteachingofChristianityisthatmanchosetobeindependentofGodandconfirmedhischoicebydeliberately

disobeyingadivinecommand.ThisactviolatedtherelationshipthatnormallyexistedbetweenGodandHiscreature;itrejectedGodasthegroundofexistenceandthrewmanbackuponhimself.ThereafterhebecamenotaplanetrevolvingaroundthecentralSun,butasuninhisownright,aroundwhicheverythingelsemustrevolve.

AmorepositiveassertionofselfhoodcouldnotbeimaginedthanthosewordsofGodtoMoses:IAMTHATIAM.EverythingGodis,everythingthatisGod,issetforthinthatunqualifieddeclarationofindependentbeing.YetinGod,selfisnotsinbutthequintessenceofallpossiblegoodness,holinessandtruth.

ThenaturalmanisasinnerbecauseandonlybecausehechallengesGodsselfhoodinrelationtohisown.InallelsehemaywillinglyacceptthesovereigntyofGod;inhisownlifeherejectsit.Forhim,Godsdominionendswherehisbegins.Forhim,selfbecomesSelf,andinthisheunconsciouslyimitatesLucifer,thatfallensonofthemorningwhosaidinhisheart,Iwillascendintoheaven,IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod….IwillbeliketheMostHigh.

Yetsosubtleisselfthatscarcelyanyoneisconsciousofitspresence.Becausemanisbornarebel,heisunawarethatheisone.Hisconstantassertionofself,asfarashethinksofitatall,appearstohimaperfectlynormalthing.Heiswillingtosharehimself,sometimeseventosacrificehimselfforadesiredend,butnevertodethronehimself.Nomatterhowfardownthescaleofsocialacceptancehemayslide,heisstillinhisowneyesakingonathrone,andnoone,notevenGod,cantakethatthronefromhim.

Sinhasmanymanifestationsbutitsessenceisone.Amoralbeing,createdtoworshipbeforethethroneofGod,sitsonthethroneofhisownselfhoodandfromthatelevatedpositiondeclares,IAM.Thatissininitsconcentratedessence;yetbecauseitisnaturalitappearstobegood.ItisonlywheninthegospelthesoulisbroughtbeforethefaceoftheMostHolyOnewithouttheprotectiveshieldofignorancethatthefrightfulmoralincongruityisbroughthometotheconscience.InthelanguageofevangelismthemanwhoisthusconfrontedbythefierypresenceofAlmightyGodissaidtobeunderconviction.ChristreferredtothiswhenHesaidoftheSpiritwhomHewouldsendtotheworld,Andwhenheiscome,hewillreprovetheworldofsin,andofrighteousness,andofjudgment.

TheearliestfulfilmentofthesewordsofChristwasatPentecostafterPeterhadpreachedthefirstgreatChristiansermon.Nowwhentheyheardthis,theywereprickedintheirheart,andsaiduntoPeterandtotherestoftheapostles,Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?ThisWhatshallwedo?isthedeepheartcryofeverymanwhosuddenlyrealizesthatheisausurperandsitsonastolenthrone.Howeverpainful,itispreciselythisacutemoralconsternationthatproducestruerepentanceandmakesarobustChristianafterthepenitenthasbeendethronedandhasfoundforgivenessandpeacethroughthegospel.

Purityofheartistowillonething,saidKierkegaard,andwemaywithequaltruthturnthisaboutanddeclare,Theessenceofsinistowillonething,fortosetourwillagainstthewillofGodistodethroneGodandmakeourselvessupremeinthelittlekingdomofMansoul.Thisissinatitsevilroot.Sinsmaymultiplylikethesandsbytheseashore,buttheyareyetone.Sinsarebecausesinis.Thisistherationalebehindthemuchmaligneddoctrineofnaturaldepravitywhichholdsthattheindependentmancandonothingbutsinandthathisgooddeedsarereallynotgoodatall.HisbestreligiousworksGodrejectsasHerejectedtheofferingofCain.OnlywhenhehasrestoredhisstolenthronetoGodarehisworksacceptable.

ThestruggleoftheChristianmantobegoodwhilethebenttowardself-assertionstillliveswithinhimasakindofunconsciousmoralreflexisvividlydescribedbytheapostlePaulintheseventhchapterofhisRomanEpistle;andhistestimonyisinfullaccordwiththeteachingoftheprophets.EighthundredyearsbeforetheadventofChristtheprophetIsaiahidentifiedsinasrebellionagainstthewillofGodandtheassertionoftherightofeachmantochooseforhimselfthewayheshallgo.Allwelikesheephavegoneastray,hesaid,wehaveturnedeveryonetohisownway,andIbelievethatnomoreaccuratedescriptionofsinhaseverbeengiven.

Thewitnessofthesaintshasbeeninfullharmonywithprophetandapostle,thataninwardprincipleofselfliesatthesourceofhumanconduct,turningeverythingmendointoevil.TosaveuscompletelyChristmustreversethebentofournature;HemustplantanewprinciplewithinussothatoursubsequentconductwillspringoutofadesiretopromotethehonorofGodandthegoodofourfellowmen.Theoldself-sinsmustdie,andtheonlyinstrumentbywhichtheycanbeslainistheCross.Ifanymancomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscross,andfollowme,saidourLord,andyearslaterthevictoriousPaulcouldsay,IamcrucifiedwithChrist:neverthelessIlive;yetnot

I,butChristlivethinme.

MyGod,shallsinitspowermaintain

Andinmysouldefiantlive!

TisnotenoughthatThouforgive,

Thecrossmustriseandselfbeslain.

OGodoflove,Thypowerdisclose:

TisnotenoughthatChristshouldrise,

I,too,mustseekthebrighteningskies,

Andrisefromdeath,asChristarose.

Greekhymn

Chapter6

TheSelf-sufficiencyofGod

Teachus,OGod,thatnothingisnecessarytoThee.WereanythingnecessarytoTheethatthingwouldbethemeasureofThineimperfection:andhowcouldweworshiponewhoisimperfect?IfnothingisnecessarytoThee,thennooneisnecessary,andifnoone,thennotwe.ThoudostseekusthoughThoudoesnotneedus.WeseekTheebecauseweneedThee,forinTheeweliveandmoveandhaveourbeing.Amen

TheFatherhathlifeinhimself,saidourLord,anditischaracteristicofHisteachingthatHethusinabriefsentencesetsforthtruthsoloftyastothetranscendthehighestreachesofhumanthought.God,Hesaid,isself-sufficient;HeiswhatHeisinHimself,inthefinalmeaningofthosewords.

WhateverGodis,andallthatGodis,HeisinHimself.AlllifeisinandfromGod,whetheritbethelowestformofunconsciouslifeorthehighlyself-conscious,intelligentlifeofaseraph.Nocreaturehaslifeinitself;alllifeisagiftfromGod.

ThelifeofGod,conversely,isnotagiftfromanother.WerethereanotherfromwhomGodcouldreceivethegiftoflife,orindeedanygiftwhatever,thatotherwouldbeGodinfact.AnelementarybutcorrectwaytothinkofGodisastheOnewhocontainsall,whogivesallthatisgiven,butwhoHimselfcanreceivenothingthatHehasnotfirstgiven.

ToadmittheexistenceofaneedinGodistoadmitincompletenessinthedivineBeing.Needisacreature-wordandcannotbespokenoftheCreator.GodhasavoluntaryrelationtoeverythingHehasmade,butHehasnonecessaryrelationtoanythingoutsideofHimself.HisinterestinHiscreaturesarisesfromHissovereigngoodpleasure,notfromanyneedthosecreaturescansupplynorfromanycompletenesstheycanbringtoHimwhoiscompleteinHimself.

Againwemustreversethefamiliarflowofourthoughtsandtrytounderstandthatwhichisunique,thatwhichstandsaloneasbeingtrueinthissituationandnowhereelse.Ourcommonhabitsofthoughtallowfortheexistenceofneed

amongcreatedthings.Nothingiscompleteinitselfbutrequiressomethingoutsideitselfinordertoexist.Allbreathingthingsneedair;everyorganismneedsfoodandwater.Takeairandwaterfromtheearthandalllifewouldperishinstantly.ItmaybestatedasallaxiomthattostayaliveeverycreatedthingneedssomeothercreatedthingandallthingsneedGod.ToGodalonenothingisnecessary.

Therivergrowslargerbyitstributaries,butwhereisthetributarythatcanenlargetheOneoutofwhomcameeverythingandtowhoseinfinitefullnessallcreationowesitsbeing?

UnfathomableSea:alllifeisoutofThee,

AndThylifeisThyblissfulUnity.

FrederickW.Faber

TheproblemofwhyGodcreatedtheuniversestilltroublesthinkingmen;butifwecannotknowwhy,wecanatleastknowthatHedidnotbringHisworldsintobeingtomeetsomeunfulfilledneedinHimself,asamanmightbuildahousetoshelterhimagainstthewintercoldorplantafieldofcorntoprovidehimwithnecessaryfood.ThewordnecessaryiswhollyforeigntoGod.

SinceHeistheBeingsupremeoverall,itfollowsthatGodcannotbeelevated.NothingisaboveHim,nothingbeyondHim.AnymotioninHisdirectioniselevationforthecreature;awayfromHim,descent.HeholdsHispositionoutofHimselfandbyleaveofnone.AsnoonecanpromoteHim,sonoonecandegradeHim.ItiswrittenthatHeupholdsallthingsbythewordofHispower.HowcanHeberaisedorsupportedbythethingsHeupholds?

Wereallhumanbeingssuddenlytobecomeblind,stillthesunwouldshinebydayandthestarsbynight,fortheseowenothingtothemillionswhobenefitfromtheirlight.So,wereeverymanonearthtobecomeatheist,itcouldnotaffectGodinanyway.HeiswhatHeisinHimselfwithoutregardtoanyother.TobelieveinHimaddsnothingtoHisperfections;todoubtHimtakesnothingaway.

AlmightyGod,justbecauseHeisalmighty,needsnosupport.Thepictureofanervous,ingratiatingGodfawningovermentowintheirfavorisnotapleasantone;yetifwelookatthepopularconceptionofGodthatispreciselywhatwe

see.TwentiethcenturyChristianityhasputGodoncharity.Soloftyisouropinionofourselvesthatwefinditquiteeasy,nottosayenjoyable,tobelievethatwearenecessarytoGod.ButthetruthisthatGodisnotgreaterforourbeing,norwouldHebelessifwedidnotexist.ThatwedoexistisaltogetherofGodsfreedetermination,notbyourdesertnorbydivinenecessity.

ProbablythehardestthoughtofallforournaturalegotismtoentertainisthatGoddoesnotneedourhelp.WecommonlyrepresentHimasabusy,eager,somewhatfrustratedFatherhurryingaboutseekinghelptocarryoutHisbenevolentplantobringpeaceandsalvationtotheworld,but,assaidtheLadyJulian,IsawtrulythatGoddoethall-thing,beitneversolittle.TheGodwhoworkethallthingssurelyneedsnohelpandnohelpers.

ToomanymissionaryappealsarebaseduponthisfanciedfrustrationofAlmightyGod.Aneffectivespeakercaneasilyexcitepityinhislisteners,notonlyfortheheathenbutfortheGodwhohastriedsohardandsolongtosavethemandhasfailedforwantofsupport.IfearthatthousandsofyoungerpersonsenterChristianservicefromnohighermotivethantohelpdeliverGodfromtheembarrassingsituationHislovehasgottenHimintoandHislimitedabilitiesseemunabletogetHimoutof.AddtothisacertaindegreeofcommendableidealismandafairamountofcompassionfortheunderprivilegedandyouhavethetruedrivebehindmuchChristianactivitytoday.

Again,Godneedsnodefenders.HeistheeternalUndefended.Tocommunicatewithusinallidiomwecanunderstand,GodintheScripturesmakesfulluseofmilitaryterms;butsurelyitwasneverintendedthatweshouldthinkofthethroneoftheMajestyonhighasbeingundersiege,withMichaelandhishostsorsomeotherheavenlybeingsdefendingitfromstormyoverthrow.SotothinkistomisunderstandeverythingtheBiblewouldtellusaboutGod.NeitherJudaismnorChristianitycouldapprovesuchpuerilenotions.AGodwhomustbedefendedisonewhocanhelpusonlywhilesomeoneishelpingHim.WemaycountuponHimonlyifHewinsinthecosmicseesawbattlebetweenrightandwrong.SuchaGodcouldnotcommandtherespectofintelligentmen;Hecouldonlyexcitetheirpity.

ToberightwemustthinkworthilyofGod.ItismorallyimperativethatwepurgefromourmindsallignobleconceptsoftheDeityandletHimbetheGodinourmindsthatHeisinHisuniverse.TheChristianreligionhastodowithGodandman,butitsfocalpointisGod,notman.Mansonlyclaimto

importanceisthathewascreatedinthedivineimage;inhimselfheisnothing.ThepsalmistsandprophetsoftheScripturesrefersadscorntoweakmanwhosebreathisinhisnostrils,whogrowsuplikethegrassinthemorningonlytobecutdownandwitherbeforethesettingofthesun.ThatGodexistsforhimselfandmanforthegloryofGodistheemphaticteachingoftheBible.ThehighhonorofGodisfirstinheavenasitmustyetbeinearth.

FromallthiswemaybegintounderstandwhytheHolyScriptureshavesomuchtosayaboutthevitalplaceoffaithandwhytheybrandunbeliefasadeadlysin.Amongallcreatedbeings,notonedaretrustititself.Godalonetrustsinhimself;allotherbeingsmusttrustinHim.Unbeliefisactuallypervertedfaith,foritputsitstrustnotinthelivingGodbutindyingmen.Theunbelieverdeniestheself-sufficiencyofGodandusurpsattributesthatarenothis.ThisdualsindishonorsGodandultimatelydestroysthesouloftheman.

InHisloveandpityGodcametousasChrist.ThishasbeentheconsistentpositionoftheChurchfromthedaysoftheapostles.ItisfixedforChristianbeliefinthedoctrineoftheincarnationoftheEternalSon.Inrecenttimes,however,thishascometomeansomethingdifferentfrom,andlessthan,whatitmeanttotheearlychurch.TheManJesusasHeappearedinthefleshhasbeenequatedwiththeGodheadandallHishumanweaknessesandlimitationsattributedtotheDeity.ThetruthisthattheManwhowalkedamonguswasademonstration,notofunveileddeitybutofperfecthumanity.TheawfulmajestyoftheGodheadwasmercifullysheathedinthesoftenvelopeofHumannaturetoprotectmankind.Godown,GodtoldMosesonthemountain,chargethepeople,lesstheybreakthroughuntotheLordtogaze,andmanyofthemperish;andlater,Thoucanstnotseemyface:forthereshallnomanseeme,andlive.

ChristianstodayappeartoknowChristonlyaftertheflesh.TheytrytoachievecommunionwithHimbydivestingHimofHisburningholinessandunapproachablemajesty,theveryattributesHeveiledwhileonearthbutassumedinfullnessofgloryuponHisascensiontotheFathersrighthand.TheChristofpopularChristianityhasaweaksmileandahalo.HehasbecomeSomeone-up-Therewholikespeople,atleastsomepeople,andthesearegratefulbutnottooimpressed.IftheyneedHim,Healsoneedsthem.

Letusnotimaginethatthetruthofthedivineself-sufficiencywillparalyseChristianactivity.Ratheritwillstimulateallholyendeavor.Thistruth,whileaneededrebuketohumanself-confidence,willwhenviewedinitsBiblical

perspectiveliftfromourmindstheexhaustingloadofmortalityandencourageustotaketheeasyyokeofChristandspendourselvesinSpirit-inspiredtoilforthehonorofGodandthegoodofmankind.FortheblessednewsisthattheGodwhoneedsnoonehasinsovereigncondescensionsetHimselftoworkbyandinandthroughHisobedientchildren.

Ifallthisappearsself-contradictory-Amen,beitso.Thevariouselementsoftruthstandinperpetualantithesis,sometimesrequiringustobelieveapparentoppositeswhilewewaitforthemomentwhenweshallknowasweareknown.Thentruthwhichnowappearstobeinconflictwithitselfwillariseinshiningunityanditwillbeseenthattheconflicthasnotbeeninthetruthbutinoursin-damagedminds.

InthemeanwhileourinnerfulfilmentliesinlovingobediencetothecommandmentsofChristandtheinspiredadmonitionsofHisapostles.ItisGodwhichworkethinyou.Heneedsnoone,butwhenfaithispresentHeworksthroughanyone.Twostatementsareinthissentenceandahealthyspiritualliferequiresthatweacceptboth.Forafullgenerationthefirsthasbeeninalmosttotaleclipse,andthattoourdeepspiritualinjury.

Fountainofgood,allblessingflows

FromThee;nowantThyfulnessknows;

WhatbutThyselfcanstThoudesire?

Yet,self-sufficientasThouart,

Thoudostdesiremyworthlessheart.

This,onlythis,dostThourequire.

JohannScheffler

Chapter7

TheEternityofGod

Thisdayourheartsapprovewithgladnesswhatourreasoncanneverfullycomprehend,evenThineeternity,OAncientofDays.ArtThounotfromeverlasting,OLord,myGod,mineHolyOne?

WeworshipThee,theFatherEverlasting,whoseyearsshallhavenoend;andThee,thelove-begottenSonwhosegoingsforthhavebeeneverofold;wealsoacknowledgeandadoreThee,EternalSpirit,whobeforethefoundationoftheworlddidstliveandloveincoequalglorywiththeFatherandtheSon.

EnlargeandpurifythemansionsofoursoulsthattheymaybefithabitationsforThySpirit,whodostpreferbeforealltemplestheuprightheartandpure.Amen.

TheconceptofeverlastingnessrunslikealoftymountainrangethroughouttheentireBibleandloomslargeinorthodoxHebrewandChristianthought.Werewetorejecttheconcept,itwouldbealtogetherimpossibleforustothinkagainthethoughtsofprophetsandapostles,sofullweretheyofthelongdreamsofeternity.

Becausethewordeverlastingissometimesusedbythesacredwriterstomeannomorethanlong-lasting(astheeverlastinghills),somepersonshavearguedthattheconceptofunendingexistencewasnotinthemindsofthewriterswhentheyusedthewordbutwassuppliedlaterbythetheologians.Thisisofcourseaseriouserror,and,asfarasIcansee,hasnogroundinseriousscholarship.Ithasbeenusedbycertainteachersasanescapefromthedoctrineofeternalpunishment.Theserejecttheeternityofmoralretribution,andtobeconsistenttheyareforcedtoweakenthewholeideaofendlessness.Thisisnottheonlyinstancewhereanattemptwasmadetoslayatruthtokeepitquietlestitappearasamaterialwitnessagainstanerror.

ThetruthisthatiftheBibledidnotteachthatGodpossessedendlessbeingintheultimatemeaningofthatterm,wewouldbecompelledtoinferitfromHisotherattributes,andiftheHolyScriptureshadnowordforabsoluteeverlastingness,itwouldbenecessaryforustocoinonetoexpresstheconcept,

foritisassumed,implied,andgenerallytakenforgrantedeverywherethroughouttheinspiredScriptures.TheideaofendlessnessistothekingdomofGodwhatcarbonistothekingdomofnature.Ascarbonispresentalmosteverywhere,asitisanessentialelementinalllivingmatterandsuppliesalllifewithenergy,sotheconceptofeverlastingnessisnecessarytogivemeaningtoanyChristiandoctrine.IndeedIknowofnotenetoftheChristiancreedthatcouldretainitssignificanceiftheideaofeternitywereextractedfromit.

Fromeverlastingtoeverlasting,thouartGod,saidMosesintheSpirit.FromthevanishingpointtothevanishingpointwouldbeanotherwaytosayitquiteinkeepingwiththewordsasMosesusedthem.Themindlooksbackwardintimetillthedimpastvanishes,thenturnsandlooksintothefuturetillthoughtandimaginationcollapsesfromexhaustion:andGodisatbothpoints,unaffectedbyeither.

Timemarksthebeginningofcreatedexistence,andbecauseGodneverbegantoexistitcanhavenoapplicationtoHim.Beganisatime-word,anditcanhavenopersonalmeaningforthehighandloftyOnethatinhabitedeternity.

NoagecanheapitsoutwardyearsonThee;

DearGod!Thouart;Thyself,Thineowneternity.

FrederickF.Faber

BecauseGodlivesinaneverlastingnow,Hehasnopastandnofuture.Whentime-wordsoccurintheScripturestheyrefertoourtime,nottoHis.Whenthefourlivingcreaturesbeforethethronecrydayandnight,Holy,holy,holy,LordGodAlmighty,whichwas,andis,andistocome,theyareidentifyingGodwiththeflowofcreature-lifewithitsfamiliarthreetenses;andthisisrightandgood,forGodhassovereignlywilledsotoidentifyHimself.ButsinceGodisuncreated,Heisnothimselfaffectedbythatsuccessionofconsecutivechangeswecalltime.

GoddwellsineternitybuttimedwellsinGod.HehasalreadylivedallourtomorrowsasHehaslivedallouryesterdays.AnillustrationofferedbyC.S.Lewismayhelpushere.Hesuggeststhatwethinkofasheetofpaperinfinitelyextended.Thatwouldbeeternity.Thenonthatpaperdrawashortlinetorepresenttime.Asthelinebeginsandendsonthatinfiniteexpanse,sotimebeganinGodandwillendinHim.

ThatGodappearsattimesbeginningisnottoodifficulttocomprehend,butthatHeappearsatthebeginningandendoftimesimultaneouslyisnotsoeasytograsp;yetitistrue.Timeisknowntousbyasuccessionofevents.Itisthewayweaccountforconsecutivechangesintheuniverse.Changestakeplacenotallatoncebutinsuccession,oneaftertheother,anditistherelationofaftertobeforethatgivesusourideaoftime.Wewaitforthesuntomovefromeasttowestorforthehourhandtomovearoundthefaceoftheclock,butGodisnotcompelledsotowait.ForHimeverythingthatwillhappenhasalreadyhappened.

ThisiswhyGodcansay,IamGod,andthereisnonelikeme,declaringtheendfromthebeginning.Heseestheendandthebeginninginoneview.Forinfiniteduration,whichiseternitysself,includethallsuccession,saysNicholasofCusa,andallwhichseemethtoustobeinsuccessionexistethnotposteriortoThyconcept,whichiseternity….Thus,becauseThouartGodalmighty,ThoudwellestwithinthewallofParadise,andthiswallisthatcoincidencewherelaterisonewithearlier,wheretheendisonewiththebeginning,whereAlphaandOmegaarethesame….ForNOWandTHENcoincideinthecircleofthewallofParadise.But,OmyGod,theAbsoluteandEternal,itisbeyondthepresentandthepastthatThoudostexistandutterspeech.

WhenHewasaveryoldman,MoseswrotethepsalmfromwhichIhavequotedearlierinthischapter.InithecelebratestheeternityofGod.TohimthistruthisasolidtheologicalfactasfirmandhardasthatMountSinaiwithwhichhewassofamiliar,andforhimithadtwopracticalmeanings:sinceGodiseternal,HecanbeandcontinueforevertobetheonesafehomeforHistime-drivenchildren.Lord,thouhastbeenourdwellingplaceinallgenerations.Thesecondthoughtislesscomforting:Godseternityissolongandouryearsoneartharesofew,howshallweestablishtheworkofourhands?Howshallweescapetheabrasiveactionofeventsthatwouldwearusoutanddestroyus?Godfillsanddominatesthepsalm,soitistoHimthatMosesmakeshisplaintiveappeal,Soteachustonumberourdays,thatwemayapplyourheartsuntowisdom.MaytheknowledgeofThyeternitynotbewastedonme!

WewholiveinthisnervousagewouldbewisetomeditateonourlivesandourdayslongandoftenbeforethefaceofGodandontheedgeofeternity.Forwearemadeforeternityascertainlyaswearemadefortime,andasresponsiblemoralbeingswemustdealwithboth.

Hehathseteternityintheirheart,saidthePreacher,andIthinkheheresetsforth

boththegloryandthemiseryofmen.Tobemadeforeternityandforcedtodwellintimeisformankindatragedyofhugeproportions.Allwithinuscriesforlifeandpermanence,andeverythingaroundusremindsusofmortalityandchange.YetthatGodhasmadeusofthestuffofeternityisbothagloryandaprophecyyettobefulfilled.

IhopeitwillnotbefoundundulyrepetitiousifIreturnagaintothatimportantpillarofChristiantheology,theimageofGodinman.Themarksofthedivineimagehavebeensoobscuredbysinthattheyarenoteasytoidentify,butisitnotreasonabletobelievethatonemarkmaybemansinsatiablecravingforimmortality?

Thouwiltnotleaveusinthedust:

Thoumadestman,heknowsnotwhy;

Hethinkshewasnotmadetodie

AndThouhastmadehim:Thouartjust.

SoreasonsTennyson,andthedeepestinstinctsofthenormalhumanheartagreewithhim.TheancientimageofGodwhisperswithineverymanofeverlastinghope;somewherehewillcontinuetoexist.Stillhecannotrejoice,forthelightthatlightetheverymanthatcomethintotheworldtroubleshisconscience,frighteninghimwithproofsofguiltandevidencesofcomingdeath.Soishegroundbetweentheuppermillstoneofhopeandthenetherstoneoffear.

JustherethesweetrelevancyoftheChristianmessageappears.JesusChrist…hathabolisheddeath,andhathbroughtlifeandimmortalitytolightthroughthegospel.SowrotethegreatestChristianofthemalljustbeforehewentouttomeethisexecutioner.GodseternityandmansmortalityjointopersuadeusthatfaithinJesusChristisnotoptional.ForeverymanitmustbeChristoreternaltragedy.OutofeternityourLordcameintotimetorescueHishumanbrethrenwhosemoralfollyhadmadethemnotonlyfoolsofthepassingworldbutslavesofsinanddeathaswell.

Brieflifeishereourportion,

Briefsorrow,short-livedcare;

Thelifethatknowsnoending,

Thetearlesslifeisthere.

ThereGod,ourKingandPortion,

InfullnessofHisgrace,Wethenshallseeforever,

Andworshipfacetoface.

BernardofCluny

Chapter8

GodsInfinitude

OurHeavenlyFather:LetusseeThyglory,ifitmustbefromtheshelterofthecleftrockandfrombeneaththeprotectionofThycoveringhand.WhateverthecosttousinlossoffriendsorgoodsorlengthofdaysletusknowTheeasThouart,thatwemayadoreTheeasweshould.ThroughJesusChristourLord.Amen.

Theworldisevil,thetimesarewaxinglate,andthegloryofGodhasdepartedfromthechurchasthefierycloudonceliftedfromthedooroftheTempleinthesightofEzekieltheprophet.

TheGodofAbrahamhaswithdrawnHisconsciousPresencefromus,andanotherGodwhomourfathersknewnotismakinghimselfathomeamongus.ThisGodwehavemadeandbecausewehavemadehimwecanunderstandhim;becausewehavecreatedhimhecanneversurpriseus,neveroverwhelmus,norastonishus,nortranscendus.

TheGodofglorysometimesrevealedHimselflikeasuntowarmandbless,indeed,butoftentoastonish,overwhelm,andblindbeforeHehealedandbestowedpermanentsight.ThisGodofourfatherswillstobetheGodoftheirsucceedingrace.WehaveonlytoprepareHimahabitationinloveandfaithandhumility.WehavebuttowantHimbadlyenough,andHewillcomeandmanifestHimselftous.

Shallweallowasaintlyandthoughtfulmantoexhortus?HearAnselm;orbetterstill,heedhiswords:

Upnow,slightman!Fleeforalittlewhilethyoccupations;hidethyselfforatimefromthydisturbingthoughts.Castasidenowthyburdensomecares,andputawaythytoilsomebusiness.YieldroomforsomelittletimetoGod,andrestforalittletimeinHim.Entertheinnerchamberofthymind;shutoutallthoughtssavethatofGodandsuchascanaidtheeinseekingHim.Speaknow,mywholeheart!SpeaknowtoGod,saying,IseekThyface;Thyface,Lord,willIseek.

OfallthatcanbethoughtorsaidaboutGod,HisInfinitudeisthemostdifficult

tograsp.Eventotrytoconceiveofitwouldappeartobeself-contradictory,forsuchconceptualizationrequiresustoundertakesomethingwhichweknowattheoutsetwecanneveraccomplish.Yetwemusttry,fortheHolyScripturesteachthatGodisinfiniteand,ifweacceptHisotherattributes,wemustofnecessityacceptthisonetoo.

Fromtheefforttounderstand,wemustnotturnbackbecausethewayisdifficultandtherearenomechanicalaidsfortheascent.Theviewisbetterfartherupandthejourneyisnotoneforthefeetbutfortheheart.Letusseek,therefore,suchtrancesofthoughtandmountingsofthemindasGodmaybepleasedtograntus,knowingthattheLordoftenpourseyesightontheblindandwhisperstobabesandsucklingstruthsneverdreamedofbythewiseandprudent.Nowtheblindmustseeandthedeafhear.Nowwemustexpecttoreceivethetreasuresofdarknessandthehiddenrichesofsecretplaces.

Infinitude,ofcourse,meanslimitlessness,anditisobviouslyimpossibleforalimitedmindtograsptheUnlimited.InthischapterIamcompelledtothinkonestepshortofthataboutwhichIamwriting,andthereadermustofnecessitythinkadegreeunderthataboutwhichheistryingtothink.O,thedepthsoftherichesbothofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod!HowunsearchableareHisjudgments,andHiswayspastfindingout!

Thereasonforourdilemmahasbeensuggestedbefore.Wearetryingtoenvisionamodeofbeingaltogetherforeigntous,andwhollyunlikeanythingwehaveknowninourfamiliarworldofmatter,space,andtime.

Here,andinallourmeditationsuponthequalitiesandcontentofGod,writesNovatian,wepassbeyondourpoweroffitconception,norcanhumaneloquenceputforthapowercommensuratewithHisgreatness.AtthecontemplationandutteranceofHismajestyalleloquenceisrightlydumb,allmentaleffortisfeeble.ForGodisgreaterthanminditself.Hisgreatnesscannotbeconceived.Nay,couldweconceiveofHisgreatnessHewouldbelessthanthehumanmindwhichcouldformtheconception.Heisgreaterthanalllanguage,andnostatementcanexpressHim.Indeed,ifanystatementcouldexpressHim,HewouldbelessthanhumanspeechwhichcouldbysuchstatementcomprehendandgatherupallthatHeis.AllourthoughtsaboutHimwillbelessthanHe,andourloftiestutteranceswillbetrivialitiesincomparisonwithHim.

Unfortunatelythewordinfinitehasnotalwaysbeenheldtoitsprecisemeaning,

buthasbeenusedcarelesslytomeansimplymuchoragreatdeal,aswhenwesaythatanartisttakesinfinitepainswithhispictureorateachershowsinfinitepatiencewithherclass.Properly,thewordcanbeusedofnocreatedthing,andofnoonebutGod.Hence,toargueaboutwhetherornotspaceisinfiniteistoplaywithwords.InfinitudecanbelongtobutOne.Therecanbenosecond.

WhenwesaythatGodisinfinitewemeanthatHeknowsnobounds.WhateverGodisandallthatGodis,Heiswithoutlimit.Andhereagainwemustbreakawayfromthepopularmeaningofwords.Unlimitedwealthandboundlessenergyarefurtherexamplesofthemisuseofwords.OfcoursenowealthisunlimitedandnoenergyboundlessunlesswearespeakingofthewealthandenergyofGod.

Again,tosaythatGodisinfiniteistosaythatHeismeasureless.Measurementisthewaycreatedthingshaveofaccountingforthemselves.Itdescribeslimitations,imperfections,andcannotapplytoGod.Weightdescribesthegravitationalpulloftheearthuponmaterialbodies;distancedescribesintervalsbetweenbodiesinspace;lengthmeansextensioninspace,andthereareotherfamiliarmeasurementssuchasthoseforliquid,energy,sound,light,andnumbersforpluralities.Wealsotrytomeasureabstractqualities,andspeakofgreatorlittlefaith,highorlowintelligence,largeormeagertalents.

ItisnotplainthatallthisdoesnotandcannotapplytoGod?ItisthewayweseetheworksofHishands,butnotthewayweseeHim.Heisaboveallthis,outsideofit,beyondit.Ourconceptsofmeasurementembracemountainsandmen,atomsandstars,gravity,energy,numbers,speed,butneverGod.WecannotspeakofmeasureoramountorsizeorweightandatthesametimebespeakingofGod,forthesetellofdegreesandtherearenodegreesinGod.AllthatHeisHeiswithoutgrowthoradditionordevelopment.NothinginGodislessormore,orlargeorsmall.HeiswhatHeisinHimself,withoutqualifyingthoughtorword.HeissimplyGod.

IntheawfulabyssofthedivineBeingmaylieattributesofwhichweknownothingandwhichcanhavenomeaningforus,justastheattributesofmercyandgracecanhavenopersonalmeaningforseraphimorcherubim.TheseholybeingsmayknowofthesequalitiesinGodbutbeunabletofeelthemsympatheticallyforthereasonthattheyhavenotsinnedandsodonotcallforthGodsmercyandgrace.Sotheremaybe,andIbelievetheresurelyare,otheraspectsofGodsessentialbeingwhichHehasnotrevealedeventoHisransomed

andSpirit-illuminatedchildren.ThesehiddenfacetsofGodsnatureconcernHisrelationtononebutHimself.Theyarelikethefarsideofthemoon,whichweknowistherebutwhichhasneverbeenexploredandhasnoimmediatemeaningformenonearth.Thereisnoreasonforustotrytodiscoverwhathasnotbeenrevealed.ItisenoughtoknowthatGodisGod.

ThineownSelfforeverfilling

Withself-kindledflame,

InThyselfThouartdistilling

Unctionswithoutname!

Withoutworshippingofcreatures,

WithoutveilingofThyfeatures,

Godalwaysthesame!

FrederickW.Faber

ButGodsinfinitudebelongstousandismadeknowntousforoureverlastingprofit.Yet,justwhatdoesitmeantousbeyondthemerewonderofthinkingaboutit?Mucheveryway,andmoreaswecometoknowourselvesandGodbetter.

BecauseGodsnatureisinfinite,everythingthatflowsoutofitisinfinitealso.Wepoorhumancreaturesareconstantlybeingfrustratedbylimitationsimposeduponusfromwithoutandwithin.Thedaysoftheyearsofourlivesarefew,andswifterthanaweaversshuttle.Lifeisashortandfeveredrehearsalforaconcertwecannotstaytogive.Justwhenweappeartohaveattainedsomeproficiencyweareforcedtolayourinstrumentsdown.Thereissimplynottimeenoughtothink,tobecome,toperformwhattheconstitutionofournaturesindicateswearecapableof.

HowcompletelysatisfyingtoturnfromourlimitationstoaGodwhohasnone.EternalyearslieinHisheart.ForHimtimedoesnotpass,itremains;andthosewhoareinChristsharewithHimalltherichesoflimitlesstimeandendlessyears.Godneverhurries.TherearenodeadlinesagainstwhichHemustwork.

Onlytoknowthisistoquietourspiritsandrelaxournerves.ForthoseoutofChrist,timeisadevouringbeast;beforethesonsofthenewcreationtimecrouchesandpurrsandlickstheirhands.Thefoeoftheoldhumanracebecomesthefriendofthenew,andthestarsintheircoursesfightforthemanGoddelightstohonor.Thiswemaylearnfromthedivineinfinitude.

Butthereismore.Godsgiftsinnaturehavetheirlimitations.Theyarefinitebecausetheyhavebeencreated,butthegiftofeternallifeinChristJesusisaslimitlessasGod.TheChristianmanpossessesGodsownlifeandsharesHisinfinitudewithHim.InGodthereislifeenoughforallandtimeenoughtoenjoyit.Whateverispossessedofnaturalliferunsthroughitscyclefrombirthtodeathandceasestobe,butthelifeofGodreturnsuponitselfandceasesnever.Andthisislifeeternal:toknowtheonetrueGod,andJesusChristwhomHehassent.

ThemercyofGodisinfinitetoo,andthemanwhohasfeltthegrindingpainofinwardguiltknowsthatthisismorethanacademic.Wheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound.Aboundingsinistheterroroftheworld,butaboundinggraceisthehopeofmankind.howeversinmayabounditstillhasitslimits,foritistheproductoffinitemindsandhearts;butGodsmuchmoreintroducesustoinfinitude.Againstourdeepcreature-sicknessstandsGodsinfiniteabilitytocure.

TheChristianwitnessthroughthecenturieshasbeenthatGodsolovedtheworld…;itremainsforustoseethatloveinthelightofGodsinfinitude.Hisloveismeasureless.Itismore:itisboundless.IthasnoboundsbecauseitisnotathingbutafacetoftheessentialnatureofGod.HisloveissomethingHeis,andbecauseHeisinfinitethatlovecanenfoldthewholecreatedworldinitselfandhaveroomfortenthousandtimestenthousandworldsbeside.

This,thisistheGodweadore,

Ourfaithful,unchangeableFriend,

WhoseloveisasgreatasHispower,

Andneitherknowsmeasurenorend.

TisJesus,thefirstandthelast,

WhoseSpiritshallguideussafehome;

WepraiseHimforallthatispast,

AndtrustHimforallthatstocome.

JosephHart

Chapter9

TheImmutabilityofGod

OChristourLord,Thouhastbeenourdwellingplaceinallgenerations.Asconiestotheirrock,sohaveweruntoTheeforsafety;asbirdsfromtheirwanderings,sohaveweflowntoTheeforpeace.Chanceandchangearebusyinourlittleworldofnatureandmen,butinTheewefindnovariablenessnorshadowofturning.WerestinTheewithoutfearordoubtandfaceourtomorrowswithoutanxiety.Amen.

TheimmutabilityofGodisamongthoseattributeslessdifficulttounderstand,buttograspitwemustdisciplineourselvestosortouttheusualthoughtswithwhichwethinkofcreatedthingsfromtherareronesthatarisewhenwetrytolayholdofwhatevermaybecomprehendedofGod.

TosaythatGodisimmutableistosaythatHeneverdiffersfromHimself.TheconceptofagrowingordevelopingGodisnotfoundintheScriptures.ItseemstomeimpossibletothinkofGodasvaryingfromHimselfinanyway.Hereiswhy:

Foramoralbeingtochangeitwouldbenecessarythatthechangebeinoneofthreedirections.Hemustgofrombettertoworseorfromworsetobetter;or,grantedthatthemoralqualityremainstable,hemustchangewithinhimself,asfromminiaturetomatureorfromoneorderofbeingtoanother.ItshouldbeclearthatGodcanmoveinnoneofthesedirections.Hisperfectionsforeverruleoutanysuchpossibility.

Godcannotchangeforthebetter.SinceHeisperfectlyholy,HehasneverbeenlessholythanHeisnowandcanneverbeholierthanHeisandhasalwaysbeen.NeithercanGodchangefortheworse.AnydeteriorationwithintheunspeakablyholynatureofGodisimpossible.IndeedIbelieveitimpossibleeventothinkofsuchathing,forthemomentweattempttodoso,theobjectaboutwhichwearethinkingisnolongerGodbutsomethingelseandsomeonelessthanHe.Theoneofwhomwearethinkingmaybeagreatandawesomecreature,butbecauseheisacreaturehecannotbetheself-existentCreator.

AstherecanbenomutationinthemoralcharacterofGod,sotherecanbenonewithinthedivineessence.ThebeingofGodisuniqueintheonlypropermeaningofthatword;thatis,Hisbeingisotherthananddifferentfromallotherbeings.WehaveseenhowGoddiffersfromHiscreaturesinbeingself-existent,self-sufficient,andeternal.ByvirtueoftheseattributesGodisGodandnotsomeotherbeing.Onewhocansufferanyslightestdegreeofchangeisneitherself-existent,self-sufficient,noreternal,andsoisnotGod.

Onlyabeingcomposedofpartsmaychange,forchangeisbasicallyashiftintherelationofthepartsofawholeortheadmissionofsomeforeignelementintotheoriginalcomposition.SinceGodisself-existent,Heisnotcomposed.ThereareinHimnopartstobealtered.AndsinceHeisself-sufficient,nothingcanenterHisbeingfromwithout.

Whateveriscomposedofparts,saysAnselm,isnotaltogetherone,butisinsomesortplural,anddiversefromitself,andeitherinfactorinconceptiscapableofdissolution.ButthesethingsarealientoThee,thanwhomnothingbettercanbeconceivedof.Hence,therearenopartsinTheeLord.,norartThoumorethanone.ButThouartsotrulyaunitarybeing,andsoidenticalwithThyself,thatinnorespectartThouunlikeThyself,ratherThouartunityitself,indivisiblebyanyconception.

AllthatGodisHehasalwaysbeen,andallthatHehasbeenandisHewilleverbe.NothingthatGodhaseversaidaboutHimselfwillbemodified;nothingtheinspiredprophetsandapostleshavesaidaboutHimwillberescinded.Hisimmutabilityguaranteesthis.

TheimmutabilityofGodappearsinitsmostperfectbeautywhenviewedagainstthemutabilityofmen.InGodnochangeispossible;inmenchangeisimpossibletoescape.Neitherthemanisfixednorhisworld,butheanditareinconstantflux.Eachmanappearsforalittlewhiletolaughandweep,toworkandplay,andthentogotomakeroomforthosewhoshallfollowhiminthenever-endingcycle.

Certainpoetshavefoundamorbidpleasureinthelawofimpermanenceandhavesunginaminorkeythesongofperpetualchange.Omarthetentmakerwasonewhosangwithpathosandhumorofmutationandmortality,thetwindiseasesthatafflictmankind.Dontslapthatclayaroundsoroughly,heexhortsthepotter,thatmaybeyourgrandfathersdustyoumakesofreewith.Whenyou

liftthecuptodrinkredwine,heremindsthereveler,youmaybekissingthelipsofsomebeautydeadlongago.

Thisnoteofsweetsorrowexpressedwithgentlehumorgivesaradiantbeautytohisquatrainsbut,howeverbeautiful,thewholelongpoemissick,sickuntodeath.Likethebirdcharmedbytheserpentthatwoulddevourit,thepoetisfascinatedbytheenemythatisdestroyinghimandallmenandeverygenerationofmen.

Thesacredwriters,too,faceuptomansmutability,buttheyarehealthymenandthereisawholesomestrengthintheirwords.Theyhavefoundthecureforthegreatsickness.God,theysaychangesnot.Thelawofmutationbelongstoafallenworld,butGodisimmutable,andinHimmenoffaithfindatlasteternalpermanence.Inthemeanwhilechangeworksforthechildrenofthekingdom,notagainstthem.Thechangesthatoccurinthemarewroughtbythehandofthein-livingSpirit.Butweall,saystheapostle,withopenfacebeholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord.

Inaworldofchangeanddecaynoteventhemanoffaithcanbecompletelyhappy.Instinctivelyheseekstheunchangingandisbereavedatthepassingofdearfamiliarthings.

OLord!myheartissick,

Sickofthiseverlastingchange;

Andliferunstediouslyquick

Throughitsunrestingraceandvariedrange:

ChangefindsnolikenesstoitselfinThee

AndwakesnoechoinThymuteEternity.

FrederickW.Faber

ThesewordsofFaberfindsympatheticresponseineveryheart;yetmuchaswemaydeplorethelackofstabilityinallearthlythings,inafallenworldsuchasthistheveryabilitytochangeisagoldentreasure,agiftfromGodofsuch

fabulousworthastocallforconstantthanksgiving.Forhumanbeingsthewholepossibilityofredemptionliesintheirabilitytochange.

Tomoveacrossfromonesortofpersontoanotheristheessenceofrepentance:theliarbecomestruthful,thethiefhonest,thelewdpure,theproudhumble.Thewholemoraltextureofthelifeisaltered.Thethoughts,thedesires,theaffectionsaretransformed,andthemanisnolongerwhathehadbeenbefore.Soradicalisthischangethattheapostlecallsthemanthatusedtobetheoldmanandthemanthatnowisthenewman,whichisrenewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim.

Yetthechangeisdeeperandmorebasicthananyexternalactscanreveal,foritincludesalsothereceptionoflifeofanotherandhigherquality.Theoldman,evenathisbest,possessesonlythelifeofAdam:thenewmanhasthelifeofGod.Andthisismorethanameremannerofspeaking;itisquiteliterallytrue.WhenGodinfuseseternallifeintothespiritofaman,themanbecomesamemberofanewandhigherorderofbeing.

IntheworkingoutofHisredemptiveprocessestheunchangingGodmakesfulluseofchangeandthroughasuccessionofchangesarrivesatpermanenceatlast.IntheBookofHebrewsthisisshownmostclearly.Hetakethawaythefirst,thathemayestablishthesecond,isakindofsummationoftheteachingofthatremarkablebook.Theoldcovenant,assomethingprovisional,wasabolished,andthenewandeverlastingcovenanttookitsplace.

ThebloodofgoatsandbullslostitssignificancewhenthebloodofthePaschalLambwasshed.Thelaw,thealtar,thepriesthood-allweretemporaryandsubjecttochange;nowtheeternallawofGodisengravenforeverontheliving,sensitivestuffofwhichthehumansouliscomposed.Theancientsanctuaryisnomore,butthenewsanctuaryiseternalintheheavensandtheretheSonofGodhasHiseternalpriesthood.

HereweseethatGoduseschangeasalowlyservanttoblessHisredeemedhousehold,butHeHimselfisoutsideofthelawofmutationandisunaffectedbyanychangesthatoccurintheuniverse.

Andallthingsastheychangeproclaim

TheLordeternallythesame.

CharlesWesley

Againthequestionofusearises.Ofwhatusetomeis,theknowledgethatGodisimmutable?someoneasks.Isnotthewholethingmeremetaphysicalspeculation?Somethingthatmightbringacertainsatisfactiontopersonsofaparticulartypeofmindbutcanhavenorealsignificanceforpracticalmen?

IfbypracticalmenwemeanunbelievingmenengrossedinsecularaffairsandindifferenttotheclaimsofChrist,thewelfareoftheirownsouls,ortheinterestsoftheworldtocome,thenforthemsuchabookasthiscanhavenomeaningatall;nor,unfortunately,cananyotherbookthattakesreligionseriously.Butwhilesuchmenmaybeinthemajority,theydonotbyanymeanscomposethewholeofthepopulation.TherearestilltheseventhousandwhohavenotbowedtheirkneestoBaal.ThesebelievetheywerecreatedtoworshipGodandtoenjoyHispresenceforever,andtheyareeagertolearnalltheycanabouttheGodwithwhomtheyexpecttospendeternity.

Inthisworldwheremenforgetus,changetheirattitudetowardusastheirprivateinterestsdictate,andrevisetheiropinionofusfortheslightestcause,isitnotasourceofwondrousstrengthtoknowthattheGodwithwhomwehavetodochangesnot?ThatHisattitudetowardusnowisthesameasitwasineternitypastandwillbeineternitytocome?

WhatpeaceitbringstotheChristianshearttorealizethatourHeavenlyFatherneverdiffersfromHimself.IncomingtoHimatanytimeweneednotwonderwhetherweshallfindHiminareceptivemood.Heisalwaysreceptivetomiseryandneed,aswellastoloveandfaith.HedoesnotkeepofficehoursnorsetasideperiodswhenHewillseenoone.NeitherdoesHechangeHismindaboutanything.Today,thismoment,HefeelstowardHiscreatures,towardbabies,towardthesick,thefallen,thesinful,exactlyasHedidwhenHesentHisonly-begottenSonintotheworldtodieformankind.

GodneverchangesmoodsorcoolsoffinHisaffectionsorlosesenthusiasm.HisattitudetowardsinisnowthesameasitwaswhenHedroveoutthesinfulmanfromtheeastwardgarden,andHisattitudetowardthesinnerthesameaswhenHestretchedforthHishandsandcried,Comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.

GodwillnotcompromiseandHeneednotbecoaxed.Hecannotbepersuadedto

alterHisWordnortalkedintoansweringselfishprayer.InalloureffortstofindGod,topleaseHim,tocommunewithHim,weshouldrememberthatallchangemustbeonourpart.IamtheLord,Ichangenot.WehavebuttomeetHisclearlystatedterms,bringourlivesintoaccordwithHisrevealedwill,andHisinfinitepowerwillbecomeinstantlyoperativetowardusinthemannersetforththroughthegospelintheScripturesoftruth.

Fountainofbeing!SourceofGood!

ImmutableThoudostremain!

Norcantheshadowofachange

ObscurethegloriesofThyreign.

Earthmaywithallherpowersdissolve,

IfsuchthegreatCreatorwill;

ButThouforeverartthesame,

IAMisThymemorialstill.

FromWalker’sCollection

Chapter10

TheDivineOmniscience

Lord,Thouknowestallthings;Thouknowestmydownsittingandmineuprisingandartacquaintedwithallmyways.IcaninformTheeofnothinganditisvaintotrytohideanythingfromThee.InthelightofThyperfectknowledgeIwouldbeasartlessasalittlechild.Helpmetoputawayallcare,forThouknowestthewaythatItakeandwhenThouhasttriedmeIshallcomeforthasgold.Amen.

TosaythatGodisomniscientistosaythatHepossessesperfectknowledgeandthereforehasnoneedtolearn.Butitismore:itistosaythatGodhasneverlearnedandcannotlearn.

TheScripturesteachthatGodhasneverlearnedfromanyone.WhohathdirectedtheSpiritoftheLord,orbeinghiscounsellorhathtaughthim?Withwhomtookhecounsel,andwhoinstructedhim,andtaughthiminthepathofjudgment,andtaughthimknowledge,andshewedtoHimthewayofunderstanding?ForwhohathknownthemindoftheLord?orwhohathbeenHiscounsellor?”TheserhetoricalquestionsputbytheprophetandtheapostlePauldeclarethatGodhasneverlearned.

FromthereitisonlyasteptotheconclusionthatGodcannotlearn.CouldGodatanytimeorinanymannerreceiveintoHismindknowledgethatHedidnotpossessandhadnotpossessedfrometernity,Hewouldbeimperfectandlessthanhimself.TothinkofaGodwhomustsitatthefeetofateacher,eventhoughthatteacherbeanarchangeloraseraph,istothinkofsomeoneotherthantheMostHighGod,makerofheavenandearth.

Thisnegativeapproachtothedivineomniscienceis,Ibelieve,quitejustifiedinthecircumstances.SinceourintellectualknowledgeofGodissosmallandobscure,wecansometimesgainconsiderableadvantageinourstruggletounderstandwhatGodislikebythesimpleexpedientofthinkingwhatHeisnotlike.SofarinthisexaminationoftheattributesofGodwehavebeendriventothefreeuseofnegatives.WehaveseenthatGodhadnoorigin,thatHehadnobeginning,thatHerequiresnohelpers,thatHesuffersnochange,andthatinHisessentialbeingtherearenolimitations.

ThismethodoftryingtomakemenseewhatGodislikebyshowingthemwhatHeisnotlikeisusedalsobytheinspiredwritersintheHolyScriptures.Hastthounotknown?hastthounotheard,criesIsaiah,thattheeverlastingGod,theLord,theCreatoroftheendsoftheearth,faintethnot,neitherisweary?AndthatabruptstatementbyGodHimself,IamtheLord,Ichangenot,tellsusmoreaboutthedivineomnisciencethancouldbetoldinaten-thousandwordtreatise,wereallnegativesarbitrarilyruledout.

GodseternaltruthfulnessisstatednegativelybytheapostlePaul,God…cannotlie;andwhentheangelassertedthatwithGodnothingshallbeimpossible,thetwonegativesadduptoaringingpositive.

ThatGodisomniscientisnotonlytaughtintheScriptures,itmustbeinferredalsofromallelsethatistaughtconcerningHim.GodperfectlyknowsHimselfand,beingthesourceandauthorofallthings,itfollowsthatHeknowsallthatcanbeknown.AndthisHeknowsinstantlyandwithafullnessofperfectionthatincludeseverypossibleitemofknowledgeconcerningeverythingthatexistsorcouldhaveexistedanywhereintheuniverseatanytimeinthepastorthatmayexistinthecenturiesoragesyetunborn.

Godknowsinstantlyandeffortlesslyallmatterandallmatters,allmindandeverymind,allspiritandallspirits,allbeingandeverybeing,allcreaturehoodandallcreatures,everypluralityandallpluralities,alllawandeverylaw,allrelations,allcauses,allthoughts,allmysteries,allenigmas,allfeeling,alldesires,everyunutteredsecret,allthronesanddominions,allpersonalities,allthingsvisibleandinvisibleinheavenandinearth,motion,space,time,life,death,good,evil,heaven,andhell.

BecauseGodknowsallthingsperfectly,Heknowsnothingbetterthananyotherthing,butallthingsequallywell.Heneverdiscoversanything.Heisneversurprised,neveramazed.Heneverwondersaboutanythingnor(exceptwhendrawingmenoutfortheirowngood)doesHeseekinformationoraskquestions.

Godisself-existentandself-containedandknowswhatnocreaturecaneverknow-Himself,perfectly.ThethingsofGodknowethnoman,buttheSpiritofGod.OnlytheInfinitecanknowtheinfinite.

InthedivineomniscienceweseesetforthagainsteachothertheterrorandfascinationoftheGodhead.ThatGodknowseachpersonthroughandthrough

canbeacauseofshakingfeartothemanthathassomethingtohide-someunforsakensin,somesecretcrimecommittedagainstmanorGod.TheunblessedsoulmaywelltremblethatGodknowstheflimsinessofeverypretextandneveracceptsthepoorexcusesgivenforsinfulconduct,sinceHeknowsperfectlytherealreasonforit.Thouhastsetouriniquitiesbeforethee,oursecretsinsinthelightofthycountenance.HowfrightfulathingtoseethesonsofAdamseekingtohideamongthetreesofanothergarden.Butwhereshalltheyhide?WhithershallIgofromthyspirit?orwhithershallIfleefromthypresence?…IfIsay,Surelythedarknessshallcoverme;eventhenightshallbelightaboutme.Yea,thedarknesshidethnotfromthee;butthenightshinethastheday.

Andtouswhohavefledforrefugetolayholduponthehopethatissetbeforeusinthegospel,howunutterablysweetistheknowledgethatourHeavenlyFatherknowsuscompletely.Notalebearercaninformonus,noenemycanmakeanaccusationstick;noforgottenskeletoncancometumblingoutofsomehiddenclosettoabashusandexposeourpast;nounsuspectedweaknessinourcharacterscancometolighttoturnGodawayfromus,sinceHeknewusutterlybeforeweknewHimandcalledustoHimselfinthefullknowledgeofeverythingthatwasagainstus.Forthemountainsshalldepart,andthehillsberemoved;butmykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,neithershallthecovenantofmypeaceberemoved,saiththeLordthathathmercyonthee.

OurFatherinheavenknowsourframeandremembersthatwearedust.Heknewourinborntreachery,andforHisownsakeengagedtosaveus(Isa.48:8-11).HisonlybegottenSon,whenHewalkedamongus,feltourpainsintheirnakedintensityofanguish.Hisknowledgeofourafflictionsandadversitiesismorethantheoretic;itispersonal,warm,andcompassionate.Whatevermaybefallus,Godknowsandcaresasnooneelsecan.

HedothgiveHisjoytoall;

Hebecomesaninfantsmall;

Hebecomesamanofwoe;

Hedothfeelthesorrowtoo.

Thinknotthoucanstsighasigh

AndthyMakerisnotby;

Thinknotthoucanstweepatear

AndthyMakerisnotnear.

O!HegivestousHisjoy

ThatourgriefsHemaydestroy;

Tillourgriefisfledandgone

Hedothsitbyusandmoan.

WilliamBlake

Chapter11

TheWisdomofGod

Thou,OChrist,whowerttemptedinallpointslikeasweare,yetwithoutsin,makeusstrongtoovercomethedesiretobewiseandtobereputedwisebyothersasignorantasourselves.WeturnfromourwisdomaswellasfromourfollyandfleetoThee,thewisdomofGodandthepowerofGod.Amen.

InthisbriefstudyofthedivinewisdomwebeginwithfaithinGod.Followingourusualpattern,weshallnotseektounderstandinorderthatwemaybelieve,buttobelieveinorderthatwemayunderstand.Hence,weshallnotseekforproofthatGodiswise.Theunbelievingmindwouldnotbeconvincedbyanyproofandtheworshippingheartneedsnone.

BlessedbethenameofGodforeverandever,criedDanieltheprophet,forwisdomandmightarehis:…hegivethwisdomuntothewise,andknowledgetothemthatknowunderstanding:herevealeththedeepandsecretthings:heknowethwhatisinthedarkness,andthelightdwellethwithhim.Thebelievingmanrespondstothis,andtotheangelicchant,Blessing,andglory,andwisdom,andthanksgiving,andhonour,andpower,andmight,beuntoourGodforeverandever.ItneveroccurstosuchamanthatGodshouldfurnishproofofHiswisdomorHispower.IsitnotenoughthatHeisGod?

WhenChristiantheologydeclaresthatGodiswise,itmeansvastlymorethanitsaysorcansay,forittriestomakeacomparativelyweakwordbearanincomprehensibleplentitudeofmeaningthatthreatenstotearitapartandcrushitunderthesheerweightoftheidea.Hisunderstandingisinfinite,saysthepsalmist.Itisnothinglessthaninfinitudethattheologyisherelaboringtoexpress.

Sincethewordinfinitedescribeswhatisunique,itcanhavenomodifiers.Wedonotsaymoreuniqueorveryinfinite.Beforeinfinitudewestandsilent.

Thereisindeedasecondary,createdwisdomwhichGodhasgiveninmeasuretoHiscreaturesastheirhighestgoodmayrequire;butthewisdomofanycreatureorofallcreatures,whensetagainsttheboundlesswisdomofGod,ispathetically

small.ForthisreasontheapostleisaccuratewhenhereferstoGodasonlywiseThatis,GodiswiseinHimself,andalltheshiningwisdomofmenorangelsisbutareflectionofthatuncreatedeffulgencewhichstreamsfromthethroneoftheMajestyintheheavens.

TheideaofGodasinfinitelywiseisattherootofalltruth.ItisadatumofbeliefnecessarytothesoundnessofallotherbeliefsaboutGod.BeingwhatHeiswithoutregardtocreatures,GodisofcourseunaffectedbyouropinionsofHim,butourmoralsanityrequiresthatweattributetothemakerandsustaineroftheuniverseawisdomentirelyperfect.Torefusetodothisistobetraytheverythinginusthatdistinguishesusfromthebeasts.

IntheHolyScriptureswisdom,whenusedofGodandgoodmen,alwayscarriesastrongmoralconnotation.Itisconceivedasbeingpure,loving,andgood.Wisdomthatismereshrewdnessisoftenattributedtoevilmen,butsuchwisdomistreacherousandfalse.Thesetwokindsofwisdomareinperpetualconflict.Indeed,whenseenfromtheloftypeakofSinaiorCalvary,thewholehistoryoftheworldisdiscoveredtobebutacontestbetweenthewisdomofGodandthecunningofSatanandfallenmen.Theoutcomeofthecontestisnotindoubt.Theimperfectmustfallbeforetheperfectatlast.GodhaswarnedthatHewilltakethewiseintheirowncraftinessandbringtonothingtheunderstandingoftheprudent.

Wisdom,amongotherthings,istheabilitytodeviseperfectendsandtoachievethoseendsbythemostperfectmeans.Itseestheendfromthebeginning,sotherecanbenoneedtoguessorconjecture.Wisdomseeseverythinginfocus,eachinproperrelationtoall,andisthusabletoworktowardpredestinedgoalswithflawlessprecision.

AllGodsactsaredoneinperfectwisdom,firstforHisownglory,andthenforthehighestgoodofthegreatestnumberforthelongesttime.AndallHisactsareaspureastheyarewise,andasgoodastheyarewiseandpure.NotonlycouldHisactsnotbebetterdone:abetterwaytodothemcouldnotbeimagined.AninfinitelywiseGodmustworkinamannernottobeimproveduponbyfinitecreatures.

OLord,howmanifoldareThyworks!InwisdomhastThoumadethemall.TheearthisfullofThyriches!

Withoutthecreation,thewisdomofGodwouldhaveremainedforeverlockedintheboundlessabyssofthedivinenature.GodbroughtHiscreaturesintobeingthatHemightenjoythemandtheyrejoiceinHim.AndGodsaweverythingthathehadmade,and,behold,itwasverygood.

Manythroughthecenturieshavedeclaredthemselvesunabletobelieveinthebasicwisdomofaworldwhereinsomuchappearstobesowrong.VoltaireinhisCandideintroducesadeterminedoptimist,whomhecallsDr.Pangloss,andintohismouthputsalltheargumentsforthebest-of-all-possible-worldsphilosophy.OfcoursetheFrenchcynictookkeendelightinplacingtheoldprofessorinsituationsthatmadehisphilosophylookridiculous.

ButtheChristianviewoflifeisaltogethermorerealisticthanthatofDr.Panglosswithhissufficientreason.Itisthatthisisnotatthemomentthebestofallpossibleworlds,butonelyingundertheshadowofahugecalamity,theFallofman.

TheinspiredwritersinsistthatthewholecreationnowgroansandtravailsunderthemightyshockoftheFall.Theydonotattempttosupplysufficientreasons;theyassertthatthecreaturewasmadesubjecttovanity,notwillingly,butbyreasonofhimwhohathsubjectedthesameinhope.NoeffortheretojustifythewaysofGodwithmen;justasimpledeclarationoffact.ThebeingofGodisitsowndefense.

Butthereishopeinallourtears.WhenthehourofChriststriumpharrives,thesufferingworldwillbebroughtoutintothegloriouslibertyofthesonsofGod.Formenofthenewcreationthegoldenageisnotpastbutfuture,andwhenitisusheredin,awonderinguniversewillseethatGodhasindeedaboundedtowardusinallwisdomandprudence.InthemeantimewerestourhopeintheonlywiseGod,ourSaviour,andwaitwithpatiencetheslowdevelopmentofHisbenignpurposes.

InspiteoftearsandpainanddeathwebelievethattheGodwhomadeusallisinfinitelywiseandgood.AsAbrahamstaggerednotatthepromisesofGodthroughunbelief,butwasstronginfaith,givingtheglorytoGod,andwasfullypersuadedthatwhatHehadpromisedHewasabletoperform,sodowebaseourhopeinGodaloneandhopeagainsthopetillthedaybreaks.WerestinwhatGodis.Ibelievethatthisaloneistruefaith.Anyfaiththatmustbesupportedbytheevidenceofthesensesisnotrealfaith.Jesussaithuntohim,Thomas,

becausethouhastseenme,thouhastbelieved:blessedaretheythathavenotseen,andyethavebelieved.

Thetestimonyoffaithisthat,nomatterhowthingslookinthisfallenworld,allGodsactsarewroughtinperfectwisdom.TheincarnationoftheEternalSoninhumanfleshwasoneofGodsmightydeeds,andwemaybesurethatthisawesomedeedwasdonewithaperfectionpossibleonlytotheInfinite.Withoutcontroversygreatisthemysteryofgodliness:Godwasmanifestintheflesh.

AtonementtoowasaccomplishedwiththesameflawlessskillthatmarksallofGodsacts.Howeverlittleweunderstanditall,weknowthatChristsexpiatoryworkperfectlyreconciledGodandmenandopenedthekingdomofheaventoallbelievers.Ourconcernisnottoexplainbuttoproclaim.IndeedIwonderwhetherGodcouldmakeusunderstandallthathappenedthereatthecross.AccordingtotheapostlePeternotevenangelsknow,howevereagerlytheymaydesiretolookintothesethings.

Theoperationofthegospel,thenewbirth,thecomingofthedivineSpiritintohumannature,theultimateoverthrowofevil,andthefinalestablishmentofChristsrighteouskingdom-allthesehaveflowedanddoflowoutofGodsinfinitefullnessofwisdom.ThesharpesteyesofthehonestwatcherintheblestcompanyabovecannotdiscoveraflawinthewaysofGodinbringingallthistofruition,norcanthepooledwisdomofseraphimandcherubimsuggesthowanimprovementmightbemadeinthedivineprocedure.Iknowthat,whatsoeverGoddoeth,itshallbeforever:nothingcanbeputtoit,noranythingtakenfromit:andGoddoethit,thatmenshouldfearbeforehim.

ItisvitallyimportantthatweholdthetruthofGodsinfinitewisdomasatenetofourcreed;butthisisnotenough.Wemustbytheexerciseoffaithandbyprayerbringitintothepracticalworldofourday-by-dayexperience.

TobelieveactivelythatourHeavenlyFatherconstantlyspreadsaroundusprovidentialcircumstancesthatworkforourpresentgoodandoureverlastingwell-beingbringstothesoulaveritablebenediction.Mostofusgothroughlifeprayingalittle,planningalittle,jockeyingforposition,hopingbutneverbeingquitecertainofanything,andalwayssecretlyafraidthatwewillmisstheway.Thisisatragicwasteoftruthandnevergivesresttotheheart.

Thereisabetterway.Itistorepudiateourownwisdomandtakeinsteadthe

infinitewisdomofGod.Ourinsistenceuponseeingaheadisnaturalenough,butitisarealhindrancetoourspiritualprogress.GodhaschargedhimselfwithfullresponsibilityforoureternalhappinessandstandsreadytotakeoverthemanagementofourlivesthemomentweturninfaithtoHim.

HereisHispromise:AndIwillbringtheblindbyawaythattheyknewnot;Iwillleadtheminpathsthattheyhavenotknown:Iwillmakedarknesslightbeforethem,andcrookedthingsstraight.ThesethingswillIdountothem,andnotforsakethem.

LetHimleadtheblindfoldonwards,

Loveneedsnottoknow;

ChildrenwhomtheFatherleadeth

Asknotwheretheygo.

Thoughthepathbeallunknown,

Overmoorsandmountainslone.

GerhardTeersteegen

GodconstantlyencouragesustotrustHiminthedark.Iwillgobeforethee,andmakethecrookedplacesstraight:Iwillbreakinpiecesthegatesofbrass,andcutinsunderthebarsofiron:andIwillgivetheethetreasuresofdarkness,andhiddenrichesofsecretplaces,thatthoumayestknowthatI,theLord,whichcalltheebythyname,amtheGodofIsrael.

ItishearteningtolearnhowmanyofGodsmightydeedsweredoneinsecret,awayfromthepryingeyesofmenorangles.

WhenGodcreatedtheheavensandtheearth,darknesswasuponthefaceofthedeep.WhentheEternalSonbecameflesh,Hewascarriedforatimeinthedarknessofthesweetvirginswomb.WhenHediedforthelifeoftheworld,itwasinthedarkness,seenbynooneatthelast.WhenHearosefromthedead,itwas,veryearlyinthemorning.NoonesawHimrise.ItisasifGodweresaying,WhatIamisallthatneedmattertoyou,fortherelieyourhopeandyourpeace.IwilldowhatIwilldo,anditwillallcometolightatlast,buthowIdoitisMy

secret.TrustMe,andbenotafraid.

WiththegoodnessofGodtodesireourhighestwelfare,thewisdomofGodtoplanit,andthepowerofGodtoachieveit,whatdowelack?Surelywearethemostfavoredofallcreatures.

InallourMakersgranddesigns,

Omnipotence,withwisdom,shines;

Hisworks,throughallthiswondrousframe,

DeclarethegloryofHisName.

ThomasBlacklock

Chapter12

TheOmnipotenceofGod

OurHeavenlyFather,wehaveheardTheesay,IamtheAlmightyGod;walkbeforeme,andbethouperfect.ButunlessThoudostenableusbytheexceedinggreatnessofThypowerhowcanwewhoarebynatureweakandsinfulwalkinaperfectway?

GrantthatwemaylearntolayholdontheworkingofthemightypowerwhichwroughtinChristwhenThoudidstraiseHimfromthedeadandsetHimatThineownrighthandintheheavenlyplaces.Amen.

InthetimeofhisvisionJohntheRevelatorheardasitwerethevoiceofagreatmultitudeandasthevoiceofmanywatersandasthevoiceofmightythunderingssoundingthroughouttheuniverse,andwhatthevoiceproclaimedwasthesovereigntyandomnipotenceofGod:Alleluia:fortheLordGodomnipotentreigneth.

Sovereigntyandomnipotencemustgotogether.Onecannotexistwithouttheother.Toreign,Godmusthavepower,andtoreignsovereignly,Hemusthaveallpower.Andthatiswhatomnipotentmeans,havingallpower.ThewordderivesfromtheLatinandisidenticalinmeaningwiththemorefamiliaralmightywhichwehavefromtheAnglo-Saxon.Thislatterwordoccursfifty-sixtimesinourEnglishBibleandisneverusedofanyonebutGod.Healoneisalmighty.

Godpossesseswhatnocreaturecan:anincomprehensibleplenitudeofpower,apotencythatisabsolute.Thisweknowbydivinerevelation,butonceknown,itisrecognizedasbeinginfullaccordwithreason.GrantthatGodisinfiniteandself-existentandweseeatoncethatHemustbeall-powerfulaswell,andreasonkneelstoworshipbeforethedivineomnipotence.

PowerbelongethuntoGod,saysthepsalmist,andPaultheapostledeclaresthatnatureitselfgivesevidenceoftheeternalpoweroftheGodhead(Rom1:20).FromthisknowledgewereasontotheomnipotenceofGodthisway:Godhaspower.SinceGodisalsoinfinite,whateverHehasmustbewithoutlimit;thereforeGodhaslimitlesspower,Heisomnipotent.WeseefurtherthatGodthe

self-existentCreatoristhesourceofallthepowerthereis,andsinceasourcemustbeatleastequaltoanythingthatemanatesfromit,Godisofnecessityequaltoallthepowerthereis,andthisistosayagainthatHeisomnipotent.

GodhasdelegatedpowertoHiscreatures,butbeingself-sufficient,HecannotrelinquishanythingofHisperfectionsand,powerbeingoneofthem,HehasneversurrenderedtheleastiotaofHispower.HegivesbutHedoesnotgiveaway.AllthatHegivesremainsHisownandreturnstoHimagain.ForeverHemustremainwhatHehasforeverbeen,theLordGodomnipotent.

OnecannotlongreadtheScripturessympatheticallywithoutnoticingtheradicaldisparitybetweentheoutlookofmenoftheBibleandthatofmodernmen.Wearetodaysufferingfromasecularizedmentality.WherethesacredwriterssawGod,weseethelawsofnature.Theirworldwasfullypopulated;oursisallbutempty.Theirworldwasaliveandpersonal;oursisimpersonalanddead.Godruledtheirworld;oursisruledbythelawsofnatureandwearealwaysonceremovedfromthepresenceofGod.

AndwhataretheselawsofnaturethathavedisplacedGodinthemindsofmillions?Lawhastwomeanings.Oneisallexternalruleenforcedbyauthority,suchasthecommonruleagainstrobberyandassault.Thewordisalsousedtodenotetheuniformwaythingsactintheuniverse,butthisseconduseofthewordiserroneous.WhatweseeinnatureissimplythepathsGodspowerandwisdomtakethroughcreation.Properlythesearephenomena,notlaws,butwecallthemlawsbyanalogywiththearbitrarylawsofsociety.

ScienceobserveshowthepowerofGodoperates,discoversaregularpatternsomewhereandfixesitasalaw.TheuniformityofGodsactivitiesinHiscreationenablesthescientisttopredictthecourseofnaturalphenomena.ThetrustworthinessofGodsbehaviorinHisworldisthefoundationofallscientifictruth.Uponitthescientistrestshisfaithandfromtherehegoesontoachievegreatandusefulthingsinsuchfieldsasthoseofnavigation,chemistry,agriculture,andthemedicalarts.

Religionontheotherhand,goesbackofthenatureofGod.ItisconcernednotwiththefootprintsofGodalongthepathsofcreation,butwiththeOnewhotreadsthosepaths.ReligionisinterestedprimarilyintheOnewhoisthesourceofallthings,themasterofeveryphenomenon.ForthisOnephilosophyhasvariousnames,themosthorrendousthatIhaveseenbeingthatsuppliedby

RudolphOtto:Theabsolute,thegigantic,never-restingactiveworldstress.TheChristiandelightstorememberthatthisworldstressoncesaidIAMandthegreatestteacherofthemalldirectedHisdisciplestoaddressHimasaperson:Whenyepray,say,OurFatherwhichartinheaven,Hallowedbethyname.ThemenoftheBibleeverywherecommunedwiththisgiganticabsoluteinlanguageaspersonalasspeechaffords,andwithHimprophetandsaintwalkedinaraptureofdevotion,warmintimateanddeeplysatisfying.

Omnipotenceisnotanamegiventothesumofallpower,butanattributeofapersonalGodweChristiansbelievetobetheFatherofourLordJesusChristandofallwhobelieveonHimtolifeeternal.Theworshippingmanfindsthisknowledgeasourceofwonderfulstrengthforhisinnerlife.HisfaithrisestotakethegreatleapupwardintothefellowshipofHimwhocandowhateverHewillstodo,forwhomnothingishardordifficultbecauseHepossessespowerabsolute.

SinceHehasatHiscommandallthepowerintheuniverse,theLordGodomnipotentcandoanythingaseasilyasanythingelse.AllHisactsaredonewithouteffort.Heexpendsnoenergythatmustbereplenished.Hisself-sufficiencymakesitunnecessaryforHimtolookoutsideofHimselfforarenewalofstrength.AllthepowerrequiredtodoallthatHewillstodoliesinundiminishedfullnessinHisowninfinitebeing.

ThePresbyterianpastorA.B.Simpson,approachingmiddleage,brokeninhealth,deeplydespondentandreadytoquittheministry,chancedtohearthesimpleNegrospiritual,

NothingistoohardforJesus,

NomancanworklikeHim.

Itsmessagespedlikeanarrowtohisheart,carryingfaithandhopeandlifeforbodyandsoul.HesoughtaplaceofretirementandafteraseasonalonewithGodarosetohisfeetcompletelycured,andwentforthinfullnessofjoytofoundwhathassincebecomeoneofthelargestforeignmissionarysocietiesintheworld.Forthirty-fiveyearsafterthisencounterwithGod,helaboredprodigiouslyintheserviceofChrist.HisfaithinGodoflimitlesspowergavehimallthestrengthheneededtocarryon.

AlmightyOne!IbendinthedustbeforeThee;

Evensoveiledcherubsbend;

IncalmandstilldevotionIadoreThee,

All-wise,all-presentfriend

Thoutotheearthitsemeraldrobehastgiven,

Orcurtaineditinsow;

Andthebrightsun,andthesoftmooninheaven,

BeforeThypresencebow.

SirJohnBowring

Chapter13

TheDivineTranscendence

OLordourLord,thereisnonelikeTheeinheavenaboveorintheearthbeneath.Thineisthegreatnessandthedignityandthemajesty.AllthatisintheheavenandtheearthisThine;Thineisthekingdomandthepowerandthegloryforever,OGod,andThouartexaltedasheadoverall.Amen.

WhenwespeakofGodastranscendentwemeanofcoursethatHeisexaltedfarabovethecreateduniverse,sofarabovethathumanthoughtcannotimagineit.

Tothinkaccuratelyaboutthis,however,wemustkeepinmindthatfarabovedoesnothererefertophysicaldistancefromtheearthbuttoqualityofbeing.Weareconcernednotwithlocationinspacenorwithmerealtitude,butwithlife.

Godisspirit,andtoHimmagnitudeanddistancehavenomeaning.Toustheyareusefulasanalogiesandillustrations,soGodreferstothemconstantlywhenspeakingdowntoourlimitedunderstanding.ThewordsofGodasfoundinIsaiah,ThussaiththehighandloftyOnethatinhabitetheternity,giveadistinctimpressionofaltitude,butthatisbecausewewhodwellinaworldofmatter,space,andtimetendtothinkinmaterialtermsandcangraspabstractideasonlywhentheyareidentifiedinsomewaywithmaterialthings.Initsstruggletofreeitselffromthetyrannyofthenaturalworld,thehumanheartmustlearntotranslateupwardthelanguagetheSpiritusestoinstructus.

Itisspiritthatgivessignificancetomatterandapartfromspiritnothinghasanyvalueatlast.Alittlechildstraysfromapartyofsightseersandbecomeslostonamountain,andimmediatelythewholementalperspectiveofthemembersofthepartyischanged.Raptadmirationforthegrandeurofnaturegiveswaytoacutedistressforthelostchild.Thegroupspreadsoutoverthemountainsideanxiouslycallingthechildsnameandsearchingeagerlyintoeverysecludedspotwherethelittleonemightchancetobehidden.

Whatbroughtaboutthissuddenchange?Thetree-cladmountainisstilltheretoweringintothecloudsinbreath-takingbeauty,butnoonenoticesitnow.Allattentionisfocuseduponthesearchforacurly-hairedlittlegirlnotyettwoyears

oldandweighinglessthanthirtypounds.Thoughsonewandsosmall,sheismoreprecioustoparentsandfriendsthanallthehugebulkofthevastandancientmountaintheyhadbeenadmiringafewminutesbefore.Andintheirjudgmentthewholecivilizedworldconcurs,forthelittlegirlcanloveandlaughandspeakandpray,andthemountaincannot.Itisthechildsqualityofbeingthatgivesitworth.

YetwemustnotcomparethebeingofGodwithanyotheraswejustnowcomparedthemountainwiththechild.WemustnotthinkofGodashighestinanascendingorderofbeings,startingwiththesinglecellandgoingonupfromthefishtothebirdtotheanimaltomantoangeltocherubtoGod.ThiswouldbetograntGodeminence,evenpre-eminence,butthatisnotenough;wemustgrantHimtranscendenceinthefullestmeaningofthatword.

ForeverGodstandsapart,inlightunapproachable.Heisashighaboveanarchangelasaboveacaterpillar,forthegulfthatseparatesthearchangelfromthecaterpillarisbutfinite,whilethegulfbetweenGodandthearchangelisinfinite.Thecaterpillarandthearchangel,thoughfarremovedfromeachotherinthescaleofcreatedthings,areneverthelessoneinthattheyarealikecreated.Theybothbelonginthecategoryofthat-which-is-not-GodandareseparatedfromGodbyinfinitudeitself.

ReticenceandcompulsionforevercontendwithintheheartthatwouldspeakofGod.

Howshallpollutedmortalsdare

TosingThygloryorThygrace?

BeneathThyfeetwelieafar,

AndseebutshadowsofThyface.

IsaacWatts

YetweconsoleourselveswiththeknowledgethatitisGodHimselfwhoputsitinourheartstoseekHimandmakesitpossibleinsomemeasuretoknowHim,andHeispleasedwitheventhefeeblestefforttomakeHimknown.

Ifsomewatcherorholyonewhohasspenthisgladcenturiesbytheseaoffire

weretocometoearth,howmeaninglesstohimwouldbetheceaselesschatterofthebusytribesofmen.Howstrangetohimandhowemptywouldsoundthe,flat,staleandprofitlesswordsheardintheaveragepulpitfromweektoweek.

AndweresuchaonetospeakonearthwouldhenotspeakofGod?WouldhenotcharmandfascinatehishearerswithrapturousdescriptionsoftheGodhead?Andafterhearinghimcouldweeveragainconsenttolistentoanythinglessthantheology,thedoctrineofGod?Wouldwenotthereafterdemandofthosewhowouldpresumetoteachusthattheyspeaktousfromthemountofdivinevisionorremainsilentaltogether?

Whenthepsalmistsawthetransgressionofthewickedhishearttoldhimhowitcouldbe.ThereisnofearofGodbeforehiseyes,heexplained,andinsosayingrevealedtousthepsychologyofsin.WhenmennolongerfearGod,theytransgressHislawswithouthesitation.ThefearofconsequencesisnotdeterrentwhenthefearofGodisgone.

InoldendaysmenoffaithweresaidtowalkinthefearofGodandtoservetheLordwithfear.HoweverintimatetheircommunionwithGod,howeverboldtheirprayers,atthebaseoftheirreligiouslifewastheconceptionofGodasawesomeanddreadful.ThisideaofGodtranscendentrimsthroughthewholeBibleandgivescolorandtonetothecharacterofthesaints.ThisfearofGodwasmorethananaturalapprehensionofdanger;itwasanonrationaldread,anacutefeelingofpersonalinsufficiencyinthepresenceofGodtheAlmighty.

WhereverGodappearedtomeninBibletimestheresultswerethesame-anoverwhelmingsenseofterroranddismay,awrenchingsensationofsinfulnessandguilt.WhenGodspoke,Abramstretchedhimselfuponthegroundtolisten.WhenMosessawtheLordintheburningbush,hehidhisfaceinfeartolookuponGod.IsaiahsvisionofGodwrungfromhimthecry,Woeisme!andtheconfession,Iamundone;becauseIamamanofuncleanlips.

DanielsencounterwithGodwasprobablythemostdreadfulandwonderfulofthemall.TheprophetlifteduphiseyesandsawOnewhosebodyalsowasliketheberyl,andhisfaceastheappearanceoflightning,andhiseyesaslampsoffire,andhisarmsandhisfeetlikeincolourtopolishedbrass,andthevoiceofhiswordslikethevoiceofamultitude.IDanielalonesawthevisionheafterwardswrote,forthementhatwerewithmesawnotthevision;butagreatquakingfelluponthem,sothattheyfledtohidethemselves.ThereforeIwasleft

alone,andsawthisgreatvision,andthereremainednostrengthinme:formycomelinesswasturnedinmeintocorruption,andIretainednostrength.YetheardIthevoiceofhiswords:andwhenIheardthevoiceofhiswords,thenwasIinadeepsleeponmyface,andmyfacetowardtheground.

TheseexperiencesshowthatavisionofthedivinetranscendencesoonendsallcontroversybetweenthemanandhisGod.ThefightgoesoutofthemanandheisreadywiththeconqueredSaultoaskmeekly,Lord,whatwiltthouhavemetodo?

Conversely,theself-assuranceofmodernChristians,thebasiclevitypresentinsomanyofourreligiousgatherings,theshockingdisrespectshownforthePersonofGod,areevidenceenoughofdeepblindnessofheart.

ManycallthemselvesbythenameofChrist,talkmuchaboutGod,andpraytoHimsometimes,butevidentlydonotknowwhoHeis.ThefearoftheLordisafountainoflife,butthishealingfearistodayhardlyfoundamongChristianmen.

OnceinconversationwithhisfriendEckermann,thepoetGoetheturnedtothoughtsofreligionandspokeoftheabuseofthedivinename.Peopletreatit,hesaid,asifthatincomprehensibleandmosthighBeing,whoisevenbeyondthereachofthought,wereonlytheirequal.OtherwisetheywouldnotsaytheLordGod,thedearGod,thegoodGod.Thisexpressionbecomestothem,especiallytotheclergy,whohaveitdailyintheirmouths,amerephrase,abarrenname,towhichnothoughtwhateverisattached.IftheywereimpressedbyHisgreatnesstheywouldbedumb,andthroughvenerationunwillingtonameHim.

Lordofallbeing,thronedafar,

Theygloryflamesfromsunandstar;

Centerandsoulofeverysphere,

Yettoeachlovinghearthownear!

Lordofalllife,below,above,

Whoselightistruth,whosewarmthislove,

BeforeThyever-blazingthrone

Weasknolusterofourown.

OliverWendellHolmes

Chapter14

GodsOmnipresence

OurFather,weknowthatThouartpresentwithus,butourknowledgeisbutafigureandshadowoftruthandhaslittleofthespiritualsavorandinwardsweetnesssuchknowledgeshouldafford.Thisisforusagreatlossandthecauseofmuchweaknessofheart.HelpustomakeatoncesuchamendmentoflifeasisnecessarybeforewecanexperiencethetruemeaningofthewordsInthypresenceisfulnessofjoy.Amen.

Thewordpresent,ofcourse,meanshere,closeto,nextto,andtheprefixomnigivesituniversality.Godiseverywherehere,closetoeverything,nexttoeveryone.

FewothertruthsaretaughtintheScriptureswithasgreatclarityasthedoctrineofthedivineomnipresence.Thosepassagessupportingthistrutharesoplainthatitwouldtakeconsiderableefforttomisunderstandthem.TheydeclarethatGodisimmanentinHiscreation,thatthereisnoplaceinheavenorearthorhellwheremenmayhidefromHispresence.TheyteachthatGodisatoncefaroffandnear,andthatinHimmenmoveandliveandhavetheirbeing.AndwhatisequallyconvincingisthattheyeverywherecompelustoassumethatGodisomnipresenttoaccountforotherfactstheytellusaboutHim.

Forinstance,theScripturesteachthatGodisinfinite.ThismeansthatHisbeingknowsnolimits.ThereforetherecanbenolimittoHispresence;Heisomnipresent.InHisinfinitudeHesurroundsthefinitecreationandcontainsit.ThereisnoplacebeyondHimforanythingtobe.Godisourenvironmentastheseaistothefishandtheairtothebird.Godisoverallthings,wroteHildebertofLavardin,underallthings;outsideall;withinbutnotenclosed;withoutbutnotexcluded;abovebutnotraisedup;belowbutnotdepressed;whollyabove,presiding;whollybeneath,sustaining;whollywithin,filling.

ThebeliefthatGodispresentwithinHisuniversecannotbeheldinisolation.Ithaspracticalimplicationsinmanyareasoftheologicalthoughtandbearsdirectlyuponcertainreligionsproblems,such,forinstance,asthenatureoftheworld.Thinkingmenofalmosteveryageandculturehavebeenconcernedwiththequestionofwhatkindofworldthisis.Isitamaterialworldrunningbyitself,or

isitspiritualandrunbyunseenpowers?Doesthisinterlockingsystemexplainitselfordoesitssecretlieinmystery?Doesthestreamofexistencebeginandendinitself?Orisitssourcehigherupandfartherbackinthehills?

Christiantheologyclaimstohavetheanswertothesequestions.ItdoesnotspeculatenorofferanopinionbutpresentsitsThussaiththeLordasitsauthority.Itdeclarespositivelythattheworldisspiritual:itoriginatedinspirit,flowsoutofspirit,isspiritualinessence,andismeaninglessapartfromtheSpiritthatinhabitsit.

Thedoctrineofthedivineomnipresencepersonalizesmansrelationtotheuniverseinwhichhefindshimself.Thisgreatcentraltruthgivesmeaningtoalltruthsandimpartssupremevaluetoallhislittlelife.Godispresent,nearhim,nexttohim,andthisGodseeshimandknowshimthroughandthorough.

Atthispointfaithbegins,andwhileitmaygoontoincludeathousandotherwonderfultruths,theseallreferbacktothetruththatGodisandGodishere.HethatcomethtoGod,saystheBookofHebrews,mustbelievethatheisAndChristHimselfsaid,YebelieveinGod,Believealso…WhateveralsomaybeaddedtotheelementarybeliefinGodissuperstructure,andregardlessoftheheightstowhichitmayrise,itcontinuestorestsolidlyupontheoriginalfoundation.

TheteachingsoftheNewTestamentisthatGodcreatedtheworldbytheLogos,theWord,andtheWordisidentifiedwiththesecondpersonoftheGodheadwhowaspresentintheworldevenbeforeHebecameincarnateinhumannature.TheWordmadeallthingsandremainedinHiscreationtoupholdandsustainitandbeatthesametimeamorallightenablingeverymantodistinguishgoodfromevil.Theuniverseoperatesasanorderlysystem,notbyimpersonallawsbutbythecreativevoiceoftheimmanentanduniversalPresence,theLogos.

CanonW.G.HolmesofIndiatoldofseeingHinduworshiperstappingontreesandstonesandwhisperingAreyouthere?Areyouthere?tothegodtheyhopedmightresidewithin.IncompletehumilitytheinstructedChristianbringstheanswertothatquestion.Godisindeedthere.HeisthereasHeishereandeverywhere,notconfinedtotreeorstone,butfreeintheuniverse,neartoeverything,nexttoeveryone,andthroughJesusChristimmediatelyaccessibletoeverylovingheart.Thedoctrineofthedivineomnipresencedecidesthisforever.

ThistruthistotheconvincedChristianasourceofdeepcomfortinsorrowandofsteadfastassuranceinallthevariedexperiencesofhislife.TohimthepracticeofthepresenceofGodconsistsnotofprotectinganimaginaryobjectfromwithinhisownmindandthenseekingtorealizeitspresence;itisrathertorecognizetherealpresenceoftheOnewhomallsoundtheologydeclarestobealreadythere,anobjectiveentity,existingapartfromanyapprehensionofHimonthepartofHiscreatures.Theresultantexperienceisnotvisionarybutreal.

ThecertaintythatGodisalwaysnearus,presentinallpartsofHisworld,closertousthanourthoughts,shouldmaintainusinastateofhighmoralhappinessmostofthetime.Butnotallthetime.Itwouldbelessthanhonesttopromiseeverybelievercontinualjubileeandlessthanrealistictoexpectit.Asachildmaycryoutinpainevenwhenshelteredinitsmothersarms,soaChristianmaysometimesknowwhatitistosufferevenintheconsciouspresenceofGod.Thoughalwayrejoicing,Pauladmittedthathewassometimessorrowful,andforoursakesChristexperiencedstrongcryingandtearsthoughHeneverleftthebosomoftheFather(John1:18).

Butallwillbewell.Inaworldlikethistearshavetheirtherapeuticeffects.ThehealingbalmdistilledfromthegarmentsoftheenfoldingPresencecuresourillsbeforetheybecomefatal.Theknowledgethatweareneveralonecalmsthetroubledseaofourlivesandspeakspeacetooursouls.

ThatGodisherebothScriptureandreasondeclare.Itremainsonlyforustolearntorealizethisinconsciousexperience.AsentencefromaletterbyDr.AllenFleecesumsupthetestimonyofmanyothers:TheknowledgethatGodispresentisblessed,buttofeelHispresenceisnothinglessthansheerhappiness.

GodrevealsHispresence:

LetusnowadoreHim,

AndwithaweappearbeforeHim.

Himalone,Godweown;

HesourLordandSavour,

PraiseHisnameforever.

GodHimselfiswithus:

Whomtheangeliclegions

Servewithaweinheavenlyregions.

GerhardTersteegen

Chapter15

TheFaithfulnessofGod

ItisagoodthingtogivethanksuntoTheeandtosingpraisesuntoThyname,OMostHigh,toshowforthThyloving-kindnessinthemorningandThyfaithfulnesseverynight.AsThySonwhileonearthwasloyaltoThee,HisHeavenlyFather,sonowinheavenHeisfaithfultous,Hisearthlybrethren;andinthisknowledgewepressonwitheveryconfidenthopeforalltheyearsandcenturiesyettocome.Amen.

Asemphasizedearlier,GodsattributesarenotisolatedtraitsofHischaracterbutfacetsofHisunitarybeing.Theyarenotthings-in-themselves;theyare,rather,thoughtsbywhichwethinkofGodaspectsofaperfectwhole,namesgiventowhateverweknowtobetrueoftheGodhead.

Tohaveacorrectunderstandingoftheattributesitisnecessarythatweseethemallasone.Wecanthinkofthemseparatelybuttheycannotbeseparated.AllattributesassignedtoGodcannotdifferinreality,byreasonoftheperfectsimplicityofGod,althoughweindiverswaysuseofGoddiverswords,saysNicholasofCusa.Whence,althoughweattributetoGodsight,hearing,taste,smell,touch,sense,reasonandintellect,andsoforth,accordingtothediverssignificationsofeachword,yetinHimsightisnototherthanhearing,ortasting,orsmelling,ortouching,orfeeling,orunderstanding.Andsoalltheologyissaidtobestablishedinacircle,becauseanyoneofHisattributesisaffirmedofanother.

Instudyinganyattribute,theessentialonenessofalltheattributessoonbecomesapparent.Wesee,forinstance,thatifGodisself-existentHemustbealsoself-sufficient;andifHehaspowerHe,beinginfinite,musthaveallpower.IfHepossessesknowledge,HisinfinitudeassuresusthatHepossessesallknowledge.Similarly,HisimmutabilitypresupposeHisfaithfulness.IfHeisunchanging,itfollowsthatHecouldnotbeunfaithful,sincethatwouldrequireHimtochange.

Anyfailurewithinthedivinecharacterwouldargueimperfectionand,sinceGodisperfect,itcouldnotoccur.ThustheattributesexplaineachotherandprovethattheyarebutglimpesthemindenjoysoftheabsolutelyperfectGodhead.

AllofGodsactsareconsistentwithallofHisattributes.Noattributecontradictstheother,butallharmonizeandblendintoeachotherintheinfiniteabyssoftheGodhead.AllthatGoddoesagreeswithallthatGodisandbeinganddoingareoneinHim.

ThefamiliarpictureofGodasoftentornbetweenHisjusticeandHismercyisaltogetherfalsetothefacts.TothinkofGodasincliningfirsttowardoneandthentowardanotherofHisattributesistoimagineaGodwhoisunsureofHimself,frustratedandemotionallyunstable,whichofcourseistosaythattheoneofwhomwearethinkingisnotthetrueGodatallbutaweak,mentalreflectionofHimbadlyoutoffocus.

GodbeingwhoHeis,cannotceasetobewhatHeis,andbeingwhatHeis,HecannotactoutofcharacterwithHimself.Heisatoncefaithfulandimmutable,soallHiswordsandactsmustbeandremainfaithful.Menbecomeunfaithfuloutofdesire,fear,weakness,lossofinterest,orbecauseofsomestronginfluencefromwithout.ObviouslynoneoftheseforcescanaffectGodinanyway.HeisHisownreasonforallHeisanddoes.Hecannotbecompelledfromwithout,buteverspeaksandactsfromwithinHimselfbyHisownsovereignwillasitpleasesHim.

IthinkitmightbedemonstratedthatalmosteveryheresythathasafflictedthechurchthroughtheyearshasarisenfrombelievingaboutGodthingsthatarenottrue,orfromoveremphasizingcertaintruethingssoastoobscureotherthingsequallytrue.Tomagnifyanyattributetotheexclusionofanotheristoheadstraightforoneofthedismalswampsoftheology;andyetweareallconstantlytemptedtodojustthat.

Forinstance,theBibleteachesthatGodislove,somehaveinterpretedthisinsuchawayasvirtuallytodenythatHeisjust,whichtheBiblealsoteaches.OtherpresstheBiblicaldoctrineofGodsgoodnesssofarthatitismadetocontradicthisholiness.OrtheymakeHiscompassioncanceloutHistruth.StillothersunderstandthesovereigntyofGodinawaythatdestroysoratleastgreatlydiminishesHisgoodnessandlove.

WecanholdacorrectviewoftruthonlybydaringtobelieveeverythingGodhassaidaboutHimself.ItisagraveresponsibilitythatamantakesuponhimselfwhenheseekstoeditoutofGodsself-revelationsuchfeaturesasheinhisignorancedeemsobjectionable.Blindnessinpartmustsurelyfalluponanyofus

presumptuousenoughtoattemptsuchathing.Anditiswhollyuncalledfor.Weneednotfeartoletthetruthstandasitiswritten.Thereisnoconflictamongthedivineattributes.Godsbeingisunitary.HecannotdivideHimselfandactatagiventimefromoneofHisattributeswhiletherestremaininactive.AllthatGodismustaccordwithallthatGoddoes.Justicemustbepresentinmercy,andloveinjudgment.Andsowithallthedivineattributes.

ThefaithfulnessofGodisadatumofsoundtheologybuttothebelieveritbecomesfarmorethanthat:itpassesthroughtheprocessesoftheunderstandingandgoesontobecomenourishingfoodforthesoul.FortheScripturesnotonlyteachtruth,theyshowalsoitsusesformankind.

Theinspiredwritersweremenoflikepassionwithus,dwellinginthemidstoflife.WhattheylearnedaboutGodbecametothemasword,ashield,ahammer;itbecametheirlifemotivation,theirgoodhope,andtheirconfidentexpectation.Fromtheobjectivefactsoftheologytheirheartsmadehowmanythousandjoyousdeductionsandpersonalapplications!TheBookofPsalmsringswithgladthanksgivingforthefaithfulnessofGod.TheNewTestamenttakesupthethemeandcelebratestheloyaltyofGodtheFatherandHisSonJesusChristwhobeforePontiusPilatewitnessedagoodconfession;andintheApocalypseChristisseenastrideawhitehorseridingtowardHistriumph,andthenamesHebearsareFaithfulandTrue.

Christiansong,too,celebratestheattributesofGod,andamongthemthedivinefaithfulness.Inourhymnody,atitsbest,theattributesbecomethewellspringfromwhichflowriversofjoyousmelody.Someoldhymnbooksmayyetbefoundinwhichthehymnshavenonames;alineinitalicsaboveeachoneindicatestheme,andtheworshipingheartcannotbutrejoiceinwhatitfinds:Godsgloriousperfectionscelebrated.Wisdom,Majestyandgoodness.Omniscience.Omnipotenceandimmutability.Glory,mercyandgrace.Thesearefewsamplestakenfromahymnbookpublished1849,buteveryonefamiliarwithChristianhymnodyknowsthatthestreamofsacredsongtakesitsrisefarbackintheearlyyearsoftheChurchsexistence.FromthebeginningbeliefintheperfectionofGodbroughtsweetassurancetobelievingmenandtaughttheagestosing.

UponGodsfaithfulnessrestsourwholehopeoffutureblessedness.OnlyasHeisfaithfulwillHiscovenantsstandandHispromisesbehonoured.OnlyaswehavecompleteassurancethatHeisfaithfulmayweliveinpeaceandlook

forwardwithassurancetothelifetocome.

Everyheartcanmakeitsownapplicationofthisanddrawfromitsuchconclusionsasthetruthsuggestsanditsownneedsbringintofocus.Thetempted,theanxious,thefearful,thediscouragedmayallfindnewhopeandgoodcheerintheknowledgethatoutHeavenlyFatherisfaithful.HewilleverbetruetoHispledgedword.Thehard-pressedsonsofthecovenantmaybesurethatHewillneverremoveHisloving-kindnessfromthemnorsufferHisfaithfulnesstofail.

Happythemanwhosehopesrely

OnIsraelsGod;Hemadethesky,

Andearthandseas,withalltheirtrain;

Histruthforeverstandssecure;

Hesavestheoppressed,Hefeedsthepoor,

AndnoneshallfindHispromisesvain.

IsaacWatts

Chapter16

TheGoodnessofGod

DogoodinThygoodpleasureuntous,OLord.ActtowardusnotaswedeservebutasitbecomesThee,beingtheGodThouart.Soshallwehavenothingtofearinthisworldorinthatwhichistocome.Amen.

Thewordgoodmeanssomanythingstosomanypersonsthatthisbriefstudyofthedivinegoodnessbeginswithadefinition.Themeaningmaybearrivedatonlybytheuseofanumberofsynonyms,goingoutfromandreturningbydifferentpathstothesameplace.

WhenChristiantheologysaysthatGodisgood,itisnotthesameassayingthatHeisrighteousorholy.TheholinessofGodistrumpetedfromtheheavensandre-echoedonearthbysaintsandsageswhereverGodhasrevealedHimselftomen;however,wearenotatthistimeconsideringHisholinessbutHisgoodness,whichisquiteanotherthing.

ThegoodnessofGodisthatwhichdisposesHimtobekind,cordial,benevolent,andfullofgoodwilltowardmen.Heistenderheartedandofquicksympathy,andHisunfailingattitudetowardallmoralbeingsisopen,frank,andfriendly.ByHisnatureHeisinclinedtobestowblessednessandHetakesholypleasureinthehappinessofHispeople.

ThatGodisgoodistaughtorimpliedoneverypageoftheBibleandmustbereceivedasanarticleoffaithasimpregnableasthethroneofGod.ItisafoundationstoneforallsoundthoughtaboutGodandisnecessarytomoralsanity.ToallowthatGodcouldbeotherthangoodistodenythevalidityofallthoughtandendillthenegationofeverymoraljudgment.IfGodisnotgood,thentherecanbenodistinctionbetweenkindnessandcruelty,andheavencanbehellandhell,heaven.

ThegoodnessofGodisthedrivebehindalltheblessingsHedailybestowsuponus.GodcreatedusbecauseHefeltgoodinHisheartandHeredeemedusforthesamereason.

JulianofNorwich,wholivedsixhundredyearsago,sawclearlythattheground

ofallblessednessisthegoodnessofGod.Chaptersixofherincrediblybeautifulandperceptivelittleclassic,RevelationsofDivineLove,begins,ThisshowingwasmadetolearnoursoulstocleavewiselytothegoodnessofGod.ThenshelistssomeofthemightydeedsGodhaswroughtinourbehalf,andaftereachonesheaddsofHisgoodness.

Shesawthatallourreligiousactivitiesandeverymeansofgrace,howeverrightandusefultheymaybe,arenothinguntilweunderstandthattheunmerited,spontaneousgoodnessofGodisbackofallaridunderneathallHisacts.

Divinegoodness,asoneofGodsattributes,isself-caused,infinite,perfect,andeternal.SinceGodisimmutableHenevervariesintheintensityofHisloving-kindness.HehasneverbeenkinderthanHenowis,norwillHeeverbelesskind.HeisnorespecterofpersonsbutmakesHissuntoshineontheevilaswellasonthegood,andsendsHisrainonthejustandontheunjust.ThecauseofHisgoodnessisinHimself,therecipientsofHisgoodnessareallHisbeneficiarieswithoutmeritandwithoutrecompense.

Withthisagreesreason,andthemoralwisdomthatknowsitselfrunstoacknowledgethattherecanbenomeritinhumanconduct,noteveninthepurestandthebest.AlwaysGodsgoodnessisthegroundofourexpectation.Repentance,thoughnecessary,isnotmeritoriousbutaconditionforreceivingthegraciousgiftofpardonwhichGodgivesofHisgoodness.

Prayerisnotitselfmeritorious.ItlaysGodundernoobligationnorputsHimindebttoany.HehearsprayerbecauseHeisgood,andfornootherreason.Norisfaithmeritorious;itissimplyconfidenceinthegoodnessofGod,andthelackofitisareflectionuponGodsholycharacter.

ThewholeoutlookofmankindmightbechangedifwecouldallbelievethatwedwellunderafriendlyskyandthattheGodofheaven,thoughexaltedinpowerandmajestyiseagertobefriendswithus.

Butsinhasmadeustimidandself-conscious,aswellitmight.YearsofrebellionagainstGodhavebredinus,afearthatcannotbeovercomeinaday.Thecapturedrebeldoesnotenterwillinglythepresenceofthekinghehassolongfoughtunsuccessfullytooverthrow.Butifheistrulypenitenthemaycome,trustingonlyntheloving-kindnessofhisLord,andthepastwillnotbeheldagainsthim.MeisterEckhartencouragesustorememberthat,whenwereturnto

God,evenifoursinswereasgreatinnumberasallmankindsputtogether,stillGodwouldnotcountthemagainstus,butwouldhaveasmuchconfidenceinusasifwehadneversinned.

NowsomeonewhoinspiteofhispastsinshonestlywantstobecomereconciledtoGodmaycautiouslyinquire,IfIcometoGod,howwillHeacttowardme?WhatkindofdispositionhasHe?WhatwillIfindHimtobelike?TheansweristhatHewillbefoundtobeexactlylikeJesus.Hethathathseenme,saidJesus,bathseentheFather.

ChristwalkedwithmenonearththatHemightshowthemwhatGodislikeandmakeknownthetruenatureofGodtoaracethathadwrongideasaboutHim.ThiswasonlyoneofthethingsHedidwhilehereintheflesh,butthisHedidwithbeautifulperfection.FromHimwelearnhowGodactstowardpeople.Thehypocritical,thebasicallyinsincere,willfindHimcoldandaloof,astheyoncefoundJesus;butthepenitentwillfindHimmerciful;theself-condemnedwillfindHimgenerousandkind.TothefrightenedHeisfriendly,tothepoorinspiritHeisforgiving,totheignorant,considerate;totheweak,gentle;tothestranger,hospitable.

ByourownattitudeswemaydetermineourreceptionbyHim.ThoughthekindnessofGodisaninfinite,overflowingfountainofcordiality,GodwillnotforceHisattentionuponus.IfwewouldbewelcomedastheProdigalwas,wemustcomeastheProdigalcame;andwhenwesocome,eventhoughthePhariseesandthelegalistssulkwithout,therewillbeafeastofwelcomewithin,andmusicanddancingastheFathertakesHischildagaintoHisheart.ThegreatnessofGodrousesfearwithinus,butHisgoodnessencouragesusnottobeafraidofHim.Tofearandnotbeafraid-thatistheparadoxoffaith.

OGod,myhope,myheavenlyrest,

Myallofhappinessbelow,

Grantmyimportunaterequest,

Tome,tome,Thygoodnessshow;

Thybeatificfacedisplay,

Thebrightnessofeternalday.

Beforemyfaithsenlightenedeyes,

MakeallThygraciousgoodnesspass;

ThygoodnessisthesightIprize:

mightIseeThysmilingface:

Theynatureinmysoulproclaim,

RevealThylove,Thygloriousname.

CharlesWesley

Chapter17

TheJusticeofGod

OurFather,weloveTheeforThyjustice.WeacknowledgethatThyjudgmentsaretrueandrighteousaltogether.ThyjusticeupholdstheorderoftheuniverseandguaranteesthesafetyofallwhoputtheirtrustinThee.WelivebecauseThouartjust-andmerciful.Holy,holy,holy,LordGodAlmighty,righteousinallThywaysandholyinallThyworks.Amen.

IntheinspiredScripturesjusticeandrighteousnessarescarcelytobedistinguishedfromeachother.ThesamewordintheoriginalbecomesinEnglishjusticeorrighteousness,almost,onewouldsuspect,atthewhimofthetranslator.

TheOldTestamentassertsGodsjusticeinlanguageclearandfull,andasbeautifulasmaybefoundanywhereintheliteratureofmankind.WhenthedestructionofSodomwasannounced,Abrahamintercededfortherighteouswithinthecity,remindingGodthatheknewHewouldactlikeHimselfinthehumanemergency.Thatbefarfromtheetodoafterthismanner,toslaytherighteouswiththewicked:andthattherighteousshouldbeasthewicked,thatbefarfromthee:ShallnottheJudgeofalltheearthdoright?

TheconceptofGodheldbythepsalmistsandprophetsofIsraelwasthatofanall-powerfulruler,highandliftedup,reigninginequity.Cloudsanddarknessareroundabouthim:righteousnessandjudgmentarethehabitationofhisthrone.Ofthelong-awaitedMessiahitwasprophesiedthatwhenHecameHeshouldjudgethepeoplewithrighteousnessandthepoorwithjudgment.

Holymenoftendercompassion,outragedbytheinequityoftheworldsrulers,prayed,OLordGod,towhomvengeancebelongeth;aGod,towhomvengeancebelongeth,shewthyself.Liftupthyself,thouJudgeoftheearth:renderarewardtotheproud.Lord,howlongshallthewicked,howlongshallthewickedtriumph?Andthisistobeunderstoodnotasapleaforpersonalvengeancebutasalongingtoseemoralequityprevailinhumansociety.

SuchmenasDavidandDanielacknowledgedtheirownunrighteousnessincontrasttotherighteousnessofGod,andasresulttheirpenitentialprayers

gainedgreatpowerandeffectiveness.OLord,righteousnessbelongethuntothee,butuntousconfusionoffaces.Andwhenthelong-withheldjudgmentofGodbeginstofallupontheworld,Johnseesthevictorioussaintsstandinguponaseaofglassmingledwithfire.IntheirhandstheyholdharpsofGod;thesongtheysingisthesongofMosesandtheLamb,andthethemeoftheirsongisthedivinejustice.

Greatandmarvellousarethyworks,LordGodAlmighty;justandtruearethyways,thouKingofsaints.Whoshallnotfearthee,OLord,andglorifythyname?forthoualoneartholy:forallnationsIshallcomeandworshipbeforethee;forthyjudgmentsaremademanifest.

Justiceembodiestheideaofmoralequity,andiniquityistheexactopposite;itisinequity,theabsenceofequalityfromhumanthoughtsandacts.Judgmentistheapplicationofequitytomoralsituationsandmaybefavorableorunfavorableaccordingtowhethertheoneunderexaminationhasbeenequitableorin-equitableinheartandconduct.

Itissometimessaid,JusticerequiresGodtodothis,referringtosomeactweknowHewillperform.Thisisanerrorofthinkingaswellasofspeaking,foritpostulatesaprincipleofjusticeoutsideofGodwhichcompelsHimtoactinacertainway.Ofcoursethereisnosuchprinciple.IftherewereitwouldbesuperiortoGod,foronlyasuperiorpowercancompelobedience.

ThetruthisthatthereisnotandcanneverbeanythingoutsideoffthenatureofGodwhichcanmoveHimintheleastdegree.AllGodsreasonscomefromwithinHisuncreatedbeing.NothinghasenteredthebeingofGodfrometernity,nothinghasbeenremoved,andnothinghasbeenchanged.

Justice,whenusedofGod,isanamewegivetothewayGodis,nothingmore;andwhenGodactsjustlyHeisnotdoingsotoconformtoanindependentcriterion,butsimplyactinglikeHimselfinagivensituation.Asgoldisanelementinitselfandcanneverchangenorcompromisebutisgoldwhereveritisfound,soGodisGod,always,only,fullyGod,andcanneverbeotherthanHeis.EverythingintheuniverseisgoodtothedegreeitconformstothenatureofGodandevilasitfailstodoso.GodisHisownself-existentprincipleofmoralequity,andwhenHesentencesevilmenorrewardstherighteous,HesimplyactslikeHimselffromwithin,uninfluencedbyanythingthatisnotHimself.

Allthisseems,butonlyseems,todestroythehopeofjustificationforthereturningsinner.TheChristianphilosopherandsaint,Anselm,ArchbishopofCanterbury,soughtasolutiontotheapparentcontradictionbetweenthejusticeandthemercyofGod.HowdostThousparethewicked,heinquiredofGod,ifThouartalljustandsupremelyjust?ThenhelookedstraightatGodfortheanswer,forheknewthatitliesinwhatGodis.

Anselmsfindingsmaybeparaphrasedthisway:Godsbeingisunitary;itisnotcomposedofanumberofpartsworkingharmoniously,butsimplyone.ThereisnothinginHisjusticewhichforbidstheexerciseofHismercy.TothinkofGodaswesometimesthinkofacourtwhereakindlyjudge,compelledbylawsentencesamantodeathwithtearsandapologies,istothinkinamannerwhollyunworthyofthetrueGod.Godisneveratcross-purposeswithHimself.NoattributeofGodisinconflictwithanother.

GodscompassionflowsoutofHisgoodness,andgoodnesswithoutjusticeisnotgoodness.GodsparesusbecauseHeisgood,butHecouldnotbegoodifHewerenotjust.WhenGodpunishesthewicked,Anselmconcludes,itisjustbecauseitisconsistentwiththeirdeserts;andwhenHesparesthewickeditisjustbecauseitiscompatiblewithHisgoodness;soGoddoeswhatbecomesHimasthesupremelygoodGod.Thisisreasonseekingtounderstand,notthatitmaybelievebutbecauseitalreadybelieves.

AsimplerandmorefamiliarsolutionfortheproblemofhowGodcanbejustandstilljustifytheunjustisfoundintheChristiandoctrineofredemption.Itisthat,throughtheworkofChristinatonement,justiceisnotviolatedbutsatisfiedwhenGodsparesasinner.Redemptivetheologyteachesthatmercydoesnotbecomeeffectivetowardamanuntiljusticehasdoneitswork.ThejustpenaltyforsinwasexactedwhenChristourSubstitutediedforusonthecross.Howeverunpleasantthismaysoundtotheearofthenaturalman,ithaseverbeensweettotheearoffaith.Millionshavebeenmorallyandspirituallytransformedbythismessage,havelivedlivesofgreatmoralpower,anddiedatlastpeacefullytrustinginit.

Thismessageofjusticedischargedandmercyoperativeismorethanapleasanttheologicaltheory;itannouncesafactmadenecessarybyourdeephumanneed.Becauseofoursinweareallundersentenceofdeath,ajudgmentwhichresultedwhenjusticeconfrontedourmoralsituation.Wheninfiniteequityencounteredourchronicandwillfulinequity,therewasviolentwarbetweenthetwo,awar

whichGodwonandmustalwayswin.ButwhenthepenitentsinnercastshimselfuponChristforsalvation,themoralsituationisreversed.Justiceconfrontsthechangedsituationandpronouncesthebelievingmanjust.

ThusjusticeactuallygoesovertothesideofGodstrustingchildren.ThisisthemeaningofthosedaringwordsoftheapostleJohn:Ifweconfessoursins,heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins,andtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness.ButGodsjusticestandsforeveragainstthesinnerinutterseverity.ThevagueandtenuoushopethatGodistookindtopunishtheungodlyhasbecomeadeadlyopiatefortheconsciencesofmillions.Ithushestheirfearsandallowsthemtopracticeallpleasantformsofiniquitywhiledeathdrawseverydaynearerandthecommandtorepentgoesunregarded.Asresponsiblemoralbeingswedarenotsotriflewithoureternalfuture.

Jesus,Thybloodandrighteousness

Mybeautyare,mygloriousdress;

Midstflamingworlds,inthesearrayed,

WithjoyshallIliftupmyhead.

BoldshallIstandinThygreatday;

Forwhoaughttomychargeshalllay?

FullyabsolvedthroughtheseIam

Fromsinandfear,fromguiltandshame.

CountN.L.vonZinzendorf

Chapter18

TheMercyofGod

HolyFather,Thywisdomexcitesouradmiration,Thypowerfillsuswithfear,Thyomnipresenceturnseveryspotofearthintoholyground;buthowshallwethankTheeenoughforThymercywhichcomesdowntothelowestpartofourneedtogiveusbeautyforashes,theoilofjoyformourning,andforthespiritofheavinessagarmentofpraise?

WeblessandmagnifyThymercy,throughJesusChristourLord.Amen.

Whenthroughthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenantwechildrenoftheshadowsreachatlastourhomeinthelight,weshallhaveathousandstringstoourharps,butthesweetestmaywellbetheonetunedtosoundforthmostperfectlythemercyofGod.

Forwhatrightwillwehavetobethere?DidwenotbyoursinstakepartinthatunholyrebellionwhichrashlysoughttodethronethegloriousKingofcreation?Anddidwenotintimespastwalkaccordingtothecourseofthisworld,accordingtotheevilprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritthatnowworksinthesonsofdisobedience?Anddidwenotallatonceliveinthelustsofourflesh?Andwerewenotbynaturethechildrenofwrath,evenasothers?

ButwewhowereonetimeenemiesandalienatedinourmindsthroughwickedworksshallthenseeGodfacetofaceandHisnameshallbeinourforeheads.Wewhoearnedbanishmentshallenjoycommunion;wewhodeservethepainsofhellshallknowtheblissofheaven.AndallthroughthetendermercyofourGod,wherebytheDayspringfromonhighhathvisitedus.

WhenallThymercies,OmyGod,Myrisingsoulsurveys,

Transportedwiththeview,ImlostInwonder,love,andpraise.

JosephAddison

MercyisanattributeofGod,aninfiniteandinexhaustibleenergywithinthedivinenaturewhichdisposesGodtobeactivelycompassionate.BoththeOld

andtheNewTestamentsproclaimthemercyofGod,buttheOldhasmorethanfourtimesasmuchtosayaboutitastheNew.

WeshouldbanishfromourmindsforeverthecommonbuterroneousnotionthatjusticeandjudgmentcharacterizetheGodofIsrael,whilemercyandgracebelongtotheLordoftheChurch.ActuallythereisinprinciplenodifferencebetweentheOldTestamentandtheNew.

IntheNewTestamentScripturesthereisafullerdevelopmentofredemptivetruth,butoneGodspeaksinbothdispensations,andwhatHespeaksagreeswithwhatHeis.WhereverandwheneverGodappearstomen,HeactslikeHimself.WhetherintheGardenofEdenortheGardenofGethsemane,Godismercifulaswellasjust.

HehasalwaysdealtinmercywithmankindandwillalwaysdealinjusticewhenHismercyisdespised.ThusHedidinantediluviantimes;thuswhenChristwalkedamongmen;thusHeisdoingtodayandwillcontinuealwaystodofornootherreasonthanthatHeisGod.IfwecouldrememberthatthedivinemercyisnotatemporarymoodbutanattributeofGodseternalbeing,wewouldnolongerfearthatitwillsomedayceasetobe.

Mercyneverbegantobe,butfrometernitywas;soitwillneverceasetobe.Itwillneverbemoresinceitisitselfinfinite;anditwillneverbelessbecausetheinfinitecannotsufferdiminution.NothingthathasoccurredorwilloccurinheavenorearthorhellcanchangethetendermerciesofourGod.ForeverHismercystands,aboundless,overwhelmingimmensityofdivinepityandcompassion.

AsjudgmentisGodsjusticeconfrontingmoralinequity,somercyisthegoodnessofGodconfrontinghumansufferingandguilt.Weretherenoguiltintheworld,nopainandnotears,Godwouldyetbeinfinitelymerciful;butHismercymightwellremainhiddeninHisheart,unknowntothecreateduniverse.

Novoicewouldberaisedtocelebratethemercyofwhichnonefelttheneed.Itishumanmiseryandsinthatcallforththedivinemercy.

Kyrieeleison!Christeeleison!theChurchhaspleadedthroughthecenturies;butifImistakenotIhearinthevoiceofherpleadinganoteofsadnessanddespair.Herplaintivecry,sooftenrepeatedinthattoneofresigneddejection,compelsonetoinferthatsheisprayingforaboonsheneveractuallyexpectstoreceive.

ShemaygoondutifullytosingofthegreatnessofGodandtorecitethecreedtimesbeyondnumber,butherpleaformercysoundslikeaforlornhopeandnomore,asifmercywereaheavenlygifttobelongedforbutneverreallyenjoyed.

Couldourfailuretocapturethepurejoyofmercyconsciouslyexperiencedbetheresultofourunbelieforourignorance,orboth?ItwassoonceinIsrael.Ibearthemrecord,PaultestifiedofIsrael,thattheyhaveazealofGod,butnotaccordingtoknowledge.Theyfailedbecausetherewasatleastonethingtheydidnotknow,onethingthatwouldhavemadethedifference.

AndofIsraelinthewildernesstheHebrewwritersays,Butthewordpreacheddidnotprofitthem,notbeingmixedwithfaithinthemthatheardit.ToreceivemercywemustfirstknowthatGodismerciful.AnditisnotenoughtobelievethatHeonceshowedmercytoNoahorAbrahamorDavidandwillagainshowmercyinsomehappyfutureday.WemustbelievethatGodsmercyisboundless,freeand,throughJesusChristourLord,availabletousnowinourpresentsituation.

Wemaypleadformercyforalifetimeinunbelief,andattheendofourdaysbestillnomorethansadlyhopefulthatweshallsomewhere,sometime,receiveit.Thisistostarvetodeathjustoutsidethebanquethallinwhichwehavebeenwarmlyinvited.

Orwemay,ifwewill,layholdonthemercyofGodbyfaith,enterthehall,andsitdownwiththeboldandavidsoulswhowillnotallowdiffidenceandunbelieftokeepthemfromthefeastoffatthingspreparedforthem.

Arise,mysoul,arise;

Shakeoffthyguiltyfears;

ThebleedingSacrifice

Inmybehalfappears:

BeforethethronemySuretystands,MynameiswrittenonHishands.

MyGodisreconciled;

HispardoningvoiceIhear:

HeownsmeforHischild;

Icannolongerfear:

WithconfidenceInowdrawnigh,AndFather,Abba,Father,cry.

CharlesWesley

Chapter19

TheGraceofGod

Godofallgrace,whosethoughtstowardusareeverthoughtsofpeaceandnotofevil,giveusheartstobelievethatweareacceptedintheBeloved;andgiveusmindstoadmirethatperfectionofmoralwisdomwhichfoundawaytopreservetheintegrityofheavenandyetreceiveusthere.WeareastonishedandmarvelthatonesoholyanddreadshouldinviteusintoThybanquetinghouseandcauselovetobethebanneroverus.Wecannotexpressthegratitudewefeel,butlookThouonourheartsandreaditthere.

Amen.

InGodmercyandgraceareone;butastheyreachustheyareseenastwo,relatedbutnotidentical.

AsmercyisGodsgoodnessconfrontinghumanmiseryandguilt,sograceisHisgoodnessdirectedtowardhumandebtanddemerit.ItisbyHisgracethatGodimputesmeritwherenonepreviouslyexistedanddeclaresnodebttobewhereonehadbeenbefore.

GraceisthegoodpleasureofGodthatinclinesHimtobestowbenefitsupontheundeserving.Itisaself-existentprincipleinherentinthedivinenatureandappearstousasaself-causedpropensitytopitythewretched,sparetheguilty,welcometheoutcast,andbringintofavorthosewhowerebeforeunderjustdisapprobation.ItsusetoussinfulmenistosaveusandtomakeussittogetherinheavenlyplacestodemonstratetotheagestheexceedingrichesofGodskindnesstousinChristJesus.

WebenefiteternallybyGodsbeingjustwhatHeis.BecauseHeiswhatHeis,Heliftsupourheadsoutoftheprisonhouse,changesourprisongarmentsforroyalrobes,andmakesustoeatbreadcontinuallybeforeHimallthedaysofourlives.

GracetakesitsrisefarbackintheheartofGod,intheawfulandincomprehensibleabyssofHisholybeing;butthechannelthroughwhichitflowsouttomenisJesusChrist,crucifiedandrisen.TheapostlePaul,who

beyondallothersistheexponentofgraceinredemption,neverdisassociatesGodsgracefromGodscrucifiedSon.Alwaysinhisteachingsthetwoarefoundtogether,organicallyoneandinseparable.

AfullandfairsummationofPaulsteachingonthissubjectisfoundinhisEpistletotheEphesians:HavingpredestinatedusuntotheadoptionofchildrenbyJesusChristtohimself,accordingtothegoodpleasureofhiswill,tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace,whereinhehathmadeusacceptedinthebeloved.Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace.

JohnalsointheGospelthatbearshisnameidentifiesChristasthemediumthroughwhichgracereachesmankind:ForthelawwasgivenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist.

Butrighthereitiseasytomissthepathandgofarastrayfromthetruth;andsomehavedonethis.Theyhavecompelledthisversetostandbyitself,unrelatedtootherScripturesbearingonthedoctrineofgrace,andhavemadeitteachthatMosesknewonlylawandChristknowsonlygrace.SotheOldTestamentismadetobeabookoflawandtheNewTestamentabookofgrace.Thetruthisquiteotherwise.

ThelawwasgiventomenthroughMoses,butitdidnotoriginatewithMoses.IthadexistedintheheartofGodfrombeforethefoundationoftheworld.OnMountSinaiitbecamethelegalcodeforthenationofIsrael;butthemoralprinciplesitembodiesareeternal.ThereneverwasatimewhenthelawdidnotrepresentthewillofGodformankindnoratimewhentheviolationofitdidnotbringitsownpenalty,thoughGodwaspatientandsometimeswinkedatwrongdoingbecauseoftheignoranceofthepeople.Paulsclose-knitargumentsinthethirdandfifthchaptersofhisEpistletotheRomansmakethisveryclear.

ThespringofChristianmoralityistheloveofChrist,notthelawofMoses;neverthelesstherehasbeennoabrogationoftheprinciplesofmoralitycontainedinthelaw.Noprivilegedclassexistsexemptfromthatrighteousnesswhichthelawenjoins.

TheOldTestamentisindeedabookoflaw,butnotoflawonly.BeforethegreatfloodNoahfoundgraceintheeyesoftheLord,andafterthelawwasgivenGodsaidtoMoses,Thouhastfoundgraceinmysight.Andhowcoulditbe

otherwise?GodwillalwaysbeHimself,andgraceisanattributeofHisholybeing.HecannomorehideHisgracethanthesuncanhideitsbrightness.Menmayfleefromthesunlighttodarkandmustycavesoftheearth,buttheycannotputoutthesun.SomenmayinanydispensationdespisethegraceofGod,buttheycannotextinguishit.

HadtheOldTestamenttimesbeentimesofstern,unbendinglawalonethewholecomplexionoftheearlyworldwouldhavebeenvastlylesscheerfulthanwefindittobeintheancientwritings.TherecouldhavebeennoAbraham,friendofGod;noDavid,manafterGodsownheart;noSamuel,noIsaiah,noDaniel.TheeleventhchapterofHebrews,thatWestminsterAbbeyofthespirituallygreatoftheOldTestament,wouldstanddarkandtenantless.GracemadesainthoodpossibleinOldTestamentdaysjustasitdoestoday.

Noonewaseversavedotherthanbygrace,fromAbeltothepresentmoment.SincemankindwasbanishedfromtheeastwardGarden,nonehaseverreturnedtothedivinefavorexceptthroughthesheergoodnessofGod.AndwherevergracefoundanymanitwasalwaysbyJesusChrist.GraceindeedcamebyJesusChrist,hutitdidnotwaitforHisbirthinthemangerorHisdeathonthecrossbeforeitbecameoperative.

ChrististheLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld.ThefirstmaninhumanhistorytobereinstatedinthefellowshipofGodcamethroughfaithinChrist.InoldentimesmenlookedforwardtoChristsredeemingwork;inlatertimestheygazebackuponit,butalwaystheycameandtheycomebygrace,throughfaith.

WemustkeepinmindalsothatthegraceofGodisinfiniteandeternal.Asithadnobeginning,soitcanhavenoend,andbeinganattributeofGod,itisasboundlessasinfinitude.

Insteadofstrainingtocomprehendthisasatheologicaltruth,itwouldbebetterandsimplertocompareGodsgracewithourneed.Wecanneverknowtheenormityofoursin,neitherisitnecessarythatweshould.Whatwecanknowisthatwheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound.

Toaboundinsin:thatistheworstandthemostwecouldorcando.Thewordabounddefinesthelimitofourfiniteabilities;andalthoughwefeelouriniquitiesriseoveruslikeamountain,themountain,nevertheless,hasdefinable

boundaries:itissolarge,sohigh,itweighsonlythiscertainamountandnomore.ButwhoshalldefinethelimitlessgraceofGod?Itsmuchmoreplungesourthoughtsintoinfinitudeandconfoundsthemthere.AllthanksbetoGodforgraceabounding.

WewhofeelourselvesalienatedfromthefellowshipofGodcannowraiseourdiscouragedheadsandlookup.ThroughthevirtuesofChristsatoningdeaththecauseofourbanishmenthasbeenremoved.WemayreturnastheProdigalreturned,andbewelcome.AsweapproachtheGarden,ourhomebeforetheFall,theflamingswordiswithdrawn.Thekeepersofthetreeoflifestandasidewhentheyseeasonofgraceapproaching.

Return,Owanderer,nowreturn,

AndseekthyFathersface;

Thosenewdesireswhichintheeburn

WerekindledbyHisgrace.

Return,Owanderer,nowreturn,

Andwipethefallingtear:

ThyFathercalls,-nolongermourn;

Tisloveinvitestheenear

WilliamBencoCollyer

Chapter20

TheLoveofGod

OurFatherwhichartinheaven,weThychildrenareoftentroubledinmind,hearingwithinusatoncetheaffirmationsoffaithandtheaccusationsofconscience.WearesurethatthereisinusnothingthatcouldattracttheloveofOneasholyandasjustasThouart.YetThouhastdeclaredThineunchangingloveforusinChristJesus.IfnothinginuscanwinThylove,nothingintheuniversecanpreventTheefromlovingus.

Thyloveisuncausedandundeserved.ThouartThyselfthereasonforthelovewherewithweareloved.Helpustobelievetheintensity,theeternityofthelovethathasfoundus.Thenlovewillcastoutfear;andourtroubledheartswillbeatpeace,trustingnotinwhatwearebutinwhatThouhastdeclaredThyselftobe.Amen.

TheapostleJohn,bytheSpirit,wrote,Godislove,andsomehavetakenhiswordstobeadefinitivestatementconcerningtheessentialnatureofGod.Thisisagreaterror.Johnwasbythosewordsstatingafact,huthewasnotofferingadefinition.

EquatinglovewithGodisamajormistakewhichhasproducedmuchunsoundreligiousphilosophyandhasbroughtforthaspateofvaporouspoetrycompletelyoutofaccordwiththeHolyScripturesandaltogetherofanotherclimatefromthatofhistoricChristianity.

HadtheapostledeclaredthatloveiswhatGodis,wewouldbeforcedtoinferthatGodiswhatloveis.IfliterallyGodislove,thenliterallyloveisGod,andweareinalldutyboundtoworshiploveastheonlyGodthereis.IfloveisequaltoGodthenGodisonlyequaltolove,andGodandloveareidentical.ThuswedestroytheconceptofpersonalityinGodanddenyoutrightallHisattributessaveone,andthatonewesubstituteforGod.

TheGodwehaveleftisnottheGodofIsrael;HeisnottheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist;HeisnottheGodoftheprophetsandtheapostles;HeisnottheGodofthesaintsandreformersandmartyrs,noryettheGodofthe

theologiansandhymnistsofthechurch.

ForoursoulssakewemustlearntounderstandtheScriptures.Wemustescapetheslaveryofwordsandgiveloyaladherencetomeaningsinstead.Wordsshouldexpressideas,notoriginatethem.WesaythatGodislove;wesaythatGodislight;wesaythatChrististruth;andwemeanthewordstobeunderstoodinmuchthesamewaythatwordsareunderstoodwhenwesayofaman,Heiskindnessitself.Bysosayingwearenotstatingthatkindnessandthemanareidentical,andnooneunderstandsourwordsinthatsense.

ThewordsGodislovemeanthatloveisanessentialattributeofGod.LoveissomethingtrueofGodbutitisnotGod.ItexpressesthewayGodisinHisunitarybeing,asdothewordsholiness,justice,faithfulnessandtruth.BecauseGodisimmutableHealwaysactslikeHimself,andbecauseHeisaunityHeneversuspendsoneofHisattributesinordertoexerciseanother.

FromGodsotherknownattributeswemaylearnmuchaboutHislove.Wecanknow,forinstance,thatbecauseGodisself-existent,Hislovehadnobeginning;becauseHeiseternal,Hislovecanhavenoend;becauseHeisinfinite,ithasnolimit;becauseHeisholy,itisthequintessenceofallspotlesspurity;becauseHeisimmense,Hisloveisanincomprehensiblyvast,bottomless,shorelessseabeforewhichwekneelinjoyfulsilenceandfromwhichtheloftiesteloquenceretreatsconfusedandabashed.

YetifwewouldknowGodandforotherssaketellwhatweknow,wemusttrytospeakofHislove.AllChristianshavetried,butnonehaseverdoneitverywell.Icannomoredojusticetothatawesomeandwonder-filledthemethanachildcangraspastar.Still,byreachingtowardthestarthechildmaycallattentiontoitandevenindicatethedirectiononemustlooktoseeit.So,asIstretchmyhearttowardthehigh,shillingloveofGod,someonewhohasnotbeforeknownaboutitmaybeencouragedtolookupandhavehope.

Wedonotknow,andwemayneverknow,whatloveis,butwecanknowhowitmanifestsitself,andthatisenoughforushere.Firstweseeitshowingitselfasgoodwill.Lovewillsthegoodofallandneverwillsharmoreviltoany.ThisexplainsthewordsoftheapostleJohn:Thereisnofearinlove;butperfectlovecastethoutfear.

Fearisthepainfulemotionthatarisesatthethoughtthatwemaybeharmedor

madetosuffer.Thisfearpersistswhilewearesubjecttothewillofsomeonewhodoesnotdesireourwell-being.Themomentwecomeundertheprotectionofoneofgoodwill,feariscastout.Achildlostinacrowdedstoreisfulloffearbecauseitseesthestrangersarounditasenemies.Initsmothersarmsamomentlateralltheterrorsubsides.Theknowngoodwillofthemothercastsoutfear.

Theworldisfullofenemies,andaslongaswearesubjecttothepossibilityofharmfromtheseenemies,fearisinevitable.Theefforttoconquerfearwithoutremovingthecausesisaltogetherfutile.Theheartiswiserthantheapostlesoftranquillity.Aslongasweareinthehandsofchance,aslongaswelookforhopetothelawofaverages,aslongaswemusttrustforsurvivaltoourabilitytooutthinkoroutmaneuvertheenemy,wehaveeverygoodreasontobeafraid.Andfearhathtorment.

ToknowthatloveisofGodandtoenterintothesecretplaceleaninguponthearmoftheBeloved-thisandonlythiscancastoutfear.Letamanbecomeconvincedthatnothingcanharmhimandinstantlyforhimallfeargoesoutoftheuniverse.Thenervousreflex,thenaturalrevulsiontophysicalpainmaybefeltsometimes,butthedeeptormentoffearisgoneforever.

GodisloveandGodissovereign.HislovedisposesHimtodesireoureverlastingwelfareandHissovereigntyenablesHimtosecureit.Nothingcanhurtagoodman.

Thebodytheymaykill:

Godstruthabidethstill

Hiskingdomisforever.

MartinLuther

GodslovetellsusthatHeisfriendlyandHisWordassuresusthatHeisourfriendandwantsustobeHisfriends.NomanwithatraceofhumilitywouldfirstthinkthatheisafriendofGod;buttheideadidnotoriginatewithmen.Abrahamwouldneverhavesaid,IamGodsfriend,butGodHimselfsaidthatAbrahamwasHisfriend.ThedisciplesmightwellhavehesitatedtoclaimfriendshipwithChrist,butChristsaidtothem,Yeremyfriends.

Modestymaydemuratsorashathought,butaudaciousfaithdarestobelievethe

WordandclaimfriendshipwithGod.WedoGodmorehonorbybelievingwhatHehassaidaboutHimselfandhavingthecouragetocomeboldlytothethroneofgracethanbyhidinginself-conscioushumilityamongthetreesofthegarden.

Loveisalsoanemotionalidentification.Itconsidersnothingitsownbutgivesallfreelytotheobjectofitsaffection.Weseethisconstantlyinourworldofmenandwomen.Ayoungmother,thinandtired,nursesatherbreastaplumpandhealthybaby,andfarfromcomplaining,themothergazesdownatherchildwitheyesshiningwithhappinessandpride.Actsofself-sacrificearecommontolove.ChristsaidofHimself,Greaterlovehathnomanthanthis,thatamanlaydownhislifeforhisfriends.

ItisastrangeandbeautifuleccentricityofthefreeGodthatHehasallowedHishearttobeemotionallyidentifiedwithmen.Self-sufficientasHeis,HewantsourloveandwillnotbesatisfiedtillHegetsit.FreeasHeis,HehasletHisheartbeboundtousforever.Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedus,andsenthisSontobethepropitiationforoursins.ForoursoulissospeciallylovedofHimthatishighest,saysJulianofNorwich,thatitoverpasseththeknowingofallcreatures:thatistosay,thereisnocreaturethatismadethatmayknowhowmuchandhowsweetlyandhowtenderlyourMakerlovethus.AndthereforewemaywithgraceandHishelpstandinspiritualbeholding,witheverlastingmarvelofthishigh,overpassing,inestimableLovethatAlmightyGodhathtousofHisGoodness.

Anothercharacteristicofloveisthatittakespleasureinitsobject.GodenjoysHiscreation.TheapostleJohnsaysfranklythatGodspurposeincreationwasHisownpleasure.GodishappyinHisloveforallthatHehasmade.WecannotmissthefeelingofpleasureinGodsdelightedreferencestoHishandiwork.Psalm104isadivinelyinspirednaturepoemalmostrhapsodicinitshappiness,andthedelightofGodisfeltthroughoutit.

ThegloryoftheLordshallendureforever:theLordshallrejoiceinhisworks.

TheLordtakespeculiarpleasureinHissaints.ManythinkofGodasfarremoved,gloomyandmightilydispleasedwitheverything,gazingdowninamoodoffixedapathyuponaworldinwhichHehaslongagolostinterest;butthisistothinkerroneously.True,Godhatessinandcanneverlookwithpleasureuponiniquity,butwheremenseektodoGodswillHerespondsingenuineaffection.

ChristinHisatonementhasremovedthebartothedivinefellowship.NowinChristallbelievingsoulsareobjectsofGodsdelight.TheLordthyGodinthemidstoftheeismighty;hewillsave,hewillrejoiceovertheewithjoy;hewillrestinhislove,hewilljoyovertheewithsinging.

AccordingtotheBookofJob,Godsworkofcreationwasdonetomusicalaccompaniment.Wherewastthou,Godasks,whenIlaidthefoundationsoftheearth…whenthemorningstarssangtogether,andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy?JohnDrydencarriedtheideaabitfurtherthanthis,butnot,perhaps,toofartobetrue:

Fromharmony,fromheavenlyharmony,

Thisuniversalframebegan:

Whennatureunderneathaheap

Ofjarringatomslay,

Andcouldnotheaveherhead,

Thetunefulvoicewasheardfromhigh,

Arise,yemorethandead!

Thencold,andhot,andmoist,anddry,

Inordertotheirstationsleap,

AndMusicspowerobey.

Fromharmony,fromheavenlyharmony,

Thisuniversalframebegan:

Fromharmonytoharmony

Throughallthecompassofthenotesitran,

ThediapasonclosingfullinMan.

FromASongforSt.CeciliasDay

Musicisbothanexpressionandasourceofpleasure,andthepleasurethatispurestandnearesttoGodisthepleasureoflove.

Hellisaplaceofnopleasurebecausethereisnolovethere.Heavenisfullofmusicbecauseitistheplacewherethepleasuresofholyloveabound.Earthistheplacewherethepleasuresoflovearemixedwithpain,forsinishere,andhateandillwill.Insuchaworldasourslovemustsometimessuffer,asChristsufferedingivingHimselfforHisown.Butwehavethecertainpromisethatthecausesofsorrowwillfinallybeabolishedandthenewfaceenjoyforeveraworldofselfless,perfectlove.

Itisofthenatureoflovethatitcannotliequiescent.Itisactive,creative,andbenign.Godcommendethhislovetowardus,inthat,whileweweresinners,Christdiedforus.Godsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon.Soitmustbewhereloveis;lovemustevergivetoitsown,whateverthecost.Theapostlesrebukedtheyoungchurchessharplybecauseafewoftheirmembershadforgottenthisandhadallowedtheirlovetospenditselfinpersonalenjoymentwhiletheirbrethrenwereinneed.Butwhosohaththisworldsgood,andseethhisbrotherhaveneed,andshuttethuphisbowelsofcompassionfromhim,howdwelleththeloveofGodinhim?SowrotethatJohnwhohasbeenknowntothecenturiesastheBeloved.

TheloveofGodisoneofthegreatrealitiesoftheuniverse,apillaruponwhichthehopeoftheworldrests.Butitisapersonal,intimatething,too.Goddoesnotlovepopulations,Helovespeople.Helovesnotmasses,butmen.Helovesusallwithamightylovethathasnobeginningandcanhavenoend.

InChristianexperiencethereisahighlysatisfyinglovecontentthatdistinguishesitfromallotherreligionsandelevatesittoheightsfarbeyondeventhepurestandnoblestphilosophy.Thislovecontentismorethanathing;itisGodHimselfinthemidstofHisChurchsingingoverHispeople.TrueChristianjoyistheheartsharmoniousresponsetotheLordssongoflove.

ThouhiddenloveofGod,whoseheight,

Whosedepthunfathomed,nomanknows,

IseefromfarThybeauteouslight,

InlyIsighforThyrepose;

Myheartispained,norcanitbe

AtresttillitfindsrestinThee.

GerhardTersteegen

Chapter21

TheHolinessofGod

GlorybetoGodonhigh.WepraiseThee,weblessThee,weworshipThee,forThygreatglory.Lord,IutteredthatIunderstoodnot;thingstoowonderfulformewhichIknewnot.IheardofTheebythehearingoftheear,butnowmineeyeseethTheeandIabhormyselfindustandashes.OLord,Iwilllaymyhanduponmymouth.OncehaveIspoken,yea,twice,butIwillproceednofurther.

ButwhileIwasmusingthefireburned.Lord,ImustspeakofThee,lestbymysilenceIoffendagainstthegenerationofThychildren.Behold,Thouhaschosenthefoolishthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthewise,andtheweakthingsoftheworldtoconfoundthemighty.OLord,forsakemenot.LetmeshowforthThystrengthuntothisgenerationandThypowertoeveryonethatistocome.RaiseupprophetsandseersinThyChurchwhoshallmagnifyThygloryandthroughThinealmightySpiritrestoretoThypeopletheknowledgeoftheholy.Amen.

Themoralshocksufferedbyusthroughourmightybreakwiththehighwillofheavenhasleftusallwithapermanenttraumaaffectingeverypartofournature.Thereisdiseasebothinourselvesandinourenvironment.

ThesuddenrealizationofhispersonaldepravitycamelikeastrokefromheavenuponthetremblingheartofIsaiahatthemomentwhenhehadhisrevolutionaryvisionoftheholinessofGod.Hispain-filledcry,Woeisme!forIamundone;becauseIamamanofuncleanlips,andIdwellinthemidstofapeopleofuncleanlips:formineeyeshaveseentheKing,theLordofhosts,expressesthefeelingofeverymanwhohasdiscoveredhimselfunderhisdisguisesandhasbeenconfrontedwithaninwardsightoftheholywhitenessthatisGod.Suchanexperiencecannotbutbeemotionallyviolent.

UntilwehaveseenourselvesasGodseeus,wearenotlikelytobemuchdisturbedoverconditionsaroundusaslongastheydonotgetsofaroutofhandastothreatenourcomfortablewayoflife.Wehavelearnedtolivewithunholinessandhavecometolookuponitasthenaturalandexpectedthing.Wearenotdisappointedthatwedonotfindalltruthinourteachersoffaith,fulnessinourpoliticiansorcompletehonestyinourmerchantsorfulltrustworthinessin

ourfriendsThatwemaycontinuetoexistwemakesuchlawsasarenecessarytoprotectusfromourfellowmenandletitgoatthat.

NeitherthewriternorthereaderofthesewordsisqualifiedtoappreciatetheholinessofGod.Quiteliterallyanewchannelmustbecutthroughthedesertofourmindstoallowthesweetwatersoftruththatwillhealourgreatsicknesstoflowin.Wecannotgraspthetruemeaningofthedivineholinessbythinkingofsomeoneorsomethingverypureandthenraisingtheconcepttothehighestdegreewearecapableof.

Godsholinessisnotsimplythebestweknowinfinitelybettered.Weknownothinglikethedivineholiness.Itstandsapart,unique,unapproachable,incomprehensibleandunattainable.Thenaturalmanisblindtoit.HemayfearGodspowerandadmireHiswisdom,butHisholinesshecannotevenimagine.

OnlytheSpiritoftheHolyOnecanimparttothehumanspirittheknowledgeoftheholy.Yetaselectricpowerflowsonlythroughaconductor,sotheSpiritflowsthroughtruthandmustfindsamemeasureoftruthinthemindbeforeHecanilluminatetheheart.Faithwakesatthevoiceoftruthbutrespondstonoothersound.Faithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod.TheologicalknowledgeisthemediumthroughwhichtheSpiritflowsintothehumanheart,yettheremustbehumblepenitenceintheheartbeforetruthcanproducefaith.TheSpiritofGodistheSpiritoftruth.ItispossibletohavesametruthinthemindwithouthavingtheSpiritintheheart,butitisneverpossibletohavetheSpiritapartfromtruth.

Inhispenetratingstudyoftheholy,RudolfOttomakesastrongcaseforthepresenceinthehumanmindofsomethinghenamesthenuminous,bywhich,apparently,hemeansasensethatthereisintheworldavague,incomprehensibleSomething,theMysteriumTremendum,theawesomeMystery,surroundingandenfoldingtheuniverse.ThisisanIt,anawfulThing,andcanneverbeintellectuallyconceived,onlysensedandfeltinthedepthsofthehumanspirit.Itremainsasapermanentreligiousinstinct,afeelingforthatunnamed,undiscoverablePresencethatrunsquicksilverlikethroughcreationsveinsandsometimesstunsthemindbyconfrontingitwithasupernatural,suprarationalmanifestationofitself.Themanthusconfrontedisbroughtdownandoverwhelmedandcanonlytrembleandbesilent.

Thisnonrationaldread,thisfeelingfortheuncreatedMysteryintheworld,is

backofallreligion.ThepurereligionoftheBible,nolessthanthebasestanimismofthenakedtribesman,existsonlybecausethisbasicinstinctispresentinhumannature.Ofcourse,thedifferencebetweenthereligionofanIsaiahoraPaulandthatoftheanimististhatonehastruthandtheotherhasnot;hehasonlythenuminousinstinct.HefeelsafteranunknownGod,butanIsaiahandaPaulhavefoundthetrueGodthroughHisownself-disclosureintheinspiredScriptures.

Thefeelingformystery,evenfortheGreatMystery,isbasicinhumannatureandindispensabletoreligiousfaith,butitisnotenough.Becauseofitmenmaywhisper,ThatawfulThing,buttheydonotcry,MineHolyOne!IntheHebrewandChristianScripturesGodcarriesforwardHisself-revelationandgivesitpersonalityandmoralcontent.ThisawfulPresenceisshowntobenotaThingbutamoralBeingwithallthewarmqualitiesofgenuinepersonality.Morethanthis,Heistheabsolutequintessenceofmoralexcellence,infinitelyperfectinrighteousness,purity,rectitude,andincomprehensibleholiness.AndinallthisHeisuncreated,self-sufficientandbeyondthepowerofhumanthoughttoconceiveorhumanspeechtoutter.

Throughtheself-revelationofGodintheScripturesandtheilluminationoftheHolySpirittheChristiangainseverythingandlosesnothing.TohisideaofGodthereareaddedthetwinconceptsofpersonalityandmoralcharacter,butthereremainstheoriginalsenseofwonderandfearinthepresenceoftheworld-fillingMystery.Todayhisheartmayleapupwiththehappycry,AbbaFather,myLordandmyGod!TomorrowhemaykneelwiththedelightedtremblingtoadmireandadoretheHighandLoftyOnethatinhabitetheternity.

HolyisthewayGodis.TobeholyHedoesnotconformtoastandard.Heisthatstandard.Heisabsolutelyholywithaninfinite,incomprehensiblefullnessofpuritythatisincapableofbeingotherthanitis.BecauseHeisholy,Hisattributesareholy;thatis,whateverwethinkofasbelongingtoGodmustbethoughtofasholy.GodisholyandHehasmadeholinessthemoralconditionnecessarytothehealthofHisuniverse.Sinstemporarypresenceintheworldonlyaccentsthis.Whateverisholyishealthy;evilisamoralsicknessthatmustendultimatelyindeath.Theformationofthelanguageitselfsuggeststhis,theEnglishwordholyderivingfromtheAnglo-Saxonhalig,hal,meaning,well,whole.

SinceGodsfirstconcernforHisuniverseisitsmoralhealth,thatis,itsholiness,

whateveriscontrarytothisisnecessarilyunderHiseternaldispleasure.TopreserveHiscreationGodmustdestroywhateverwoulddestroyit.WhenHearisestoputdowniniquityandsavetheworldfromirreparablemoralcollapse,Heissaidtobeangry.Everywrathfuljudgmentinthehistoryoftheworldhasbeenaholyactofpreservation.TheholinessofGod,thewrathofGod,andthehealthofthecreationareinseparablyunited.GodswrathisHisutterintoleranceofwhateverdegradesanddestroys.Hehatesiniquityasamotherhatesthepoliothattakethelifeofherchild.

Godisholywithanabsoluteholinessthatknowsnodegrees,andthisHecannotimparttoHiscreatures.ButthereisarelativeandcontingentholinesswhichHeshareswithangelsandseraphiminheavenandwithredeemedmenonearthastheirpreparationforheaven.ThisholinessGodcananddoesimparttoHischildren.Hesharesitwiththembyimputationandbyimpartation,andbecauseHehasmadeitavailabletothemthroughthebloodoftheLamb,Herequiresitofthem.ToIsraelfirstandlatertoHisChurchGodspoke,saying,Beyeholy;forIamholy.HedidnotsayBeyeasholyasIamholy,forthatwouldbetodemandofusabsoluteholiness,somethingthatbelongstoGodalone.

BeforetheuncreatedfireofGodsholinessangelsveiltheirfaces.Yea,theheavensarenotclean,andthestarsarenotpureinHissight.NohonestmancansayIamholy,butneitherisanyhonestmanwillingtoignorethesolemnwordsoftheinspiredwriter,Followpeacewithallmen,andholiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord.

Caughtinthisdilemma,whatareweChristianstodo?WemustlikeMosescoverourselveswithfaithandhumilitywhilewestealaquicklookattheGodwhomnomancanseeandlive.ThebrokenandthecontriteheartHewillnotdespise.WemusthideourunholinessinthewoundsofChristasMoseshidhimselfinthecleftoftherockwhilethegloryofGodpassedby.WemusttakerefugefromGodinGod.AboveallwemustbelievethatGodseesusperfectinHisSonwhileHedisciplinesandchastensandpurgesusthatwemaybepartakersofHisholiness.

Byfaithandobedience,byconstantmeditationontheholinessofGod,bylovingrighteousnessandhatinginiquity,byagrowingacquaintancewiththeSpiritofholiness,wecanacclimateourselvestothefellowshipofthesaintsonearthandprepareourselvesfortheeternalcompanionshipofGodandthesaintsabove.Thus,astheysaywhenhumblebelieversmeet,wewillhaveaheaventogoto

heavenin.

HowdreadareThineeternalyears,

OeverlastingLord!

Byprostratespiritsdayandnight

Incessantlyadored!

Howbeautiful,howbeautiful

ThesightofTheemustbe,

Thineendlesswisdom,boundlesspower,

Andawfulpurity!

OhhowIfearThee,livingGod!

Withdeepest,tenderestfears,

AndworshipTheewithtremblinghope,

Andpenitentialtears.

FrederickW.Faber

Chapter22

TheSovereigntyofGod

WhowouldstnotfearThee,OLordGodofHosts,mosthighandmostterrible?ForThouartLordalone.Thouhasmadeheavenandtheheavenofheavens,theearthandallthingsthataretherein,andinThyhandisthesoulofeverylivingthing,Thousittestkingupontheflood;yea,Thousittestkingforever.Thouartagreatkingoveralltheearth.Thouartclothedwithstrength;honorandmajestyarebeforeThee.

Amen.

GodssovereigntyistheattributebywhichHerulesHisentirecreation,andtobesovereignGodmustbeall-knowing,all-powerful,andabsolutelyfree.Thereasonsarethese:

Werethereevenonedatumofknowledge,howeversmall,unknowntoGod,Hisrulewouldbreakdownatthatpoint.TobeLordoverallthecreation,Hemustpossessallknowledge.AndwereGodlackingoneinfinitesimalmodicumofpower,thatlackwouldendHisreignandundoHiskingdom;thatonestrayatomofpowerwouldbelongtosomeoneelseandGodwouldbealimitedrulerandhencenotsovereign.

Furthermore,HissovereigntyrequiresthatHebeabsolutelyfree,whichmeanssimplythatHemustbefreetodowhateverHewillstodoanywhereatanytimetocarryoutHiseternalpurposeineverysingledetailwithoutinterference.WereHelessthanfreeHemustbelessthansovereign.

Tograsptheideaofunqualifiedfreedomrequiresavigorouseffortofthemind.Wearenotpsychologicallyconditionedtounderstandfreedomexceptinitsimperfectforms.Ourconceptsofithavebeenshapedinaworldwherenoabsolutefreedomexists.Hereeachnaturalobjectisdependentuponmanyotherobjects,andthatdependencelimitsitsfreedom.

WordsworthatthebeginningofhisPreluderejoicedthathehadescapedthecitywherehehadlongbeenpentupandwasnowfree,freeasabirdtosettlewhereIwill.Buttobefreeabirdisnottobefreeatall.Thenaturalistknowsthatthe

supposedlyfreebirdactuallylivesitsentirelifeinacagemadeoffears,hungers,andinstincts;itislimitedbyweatherconditions,varyingairpressures,thelocalfoodsupply,predatorybeasts,andthatstrangestofallbonds,theirresistiblecompulsiontostaywithinthesmallplotoflandandairassigneditbybirdlandcomity.Thefreestbirdis,alongwitheveryothercreatedthing,heldinconstantcheckbyanetofnecessity.OnlyGodisfree.

GodissaidtobeabsolutelyfreebecausenooneandnothingcanhinderHimorcompelHimorstopHim.HeisabletodoasHepleasesalways,everywhere,forever.TobethusfreemeansalsothatHemustpossessuniversalauthority.ThatHehasunlimitedpowerweknowfromtheScripturesandmaydeducefromcertainotherofHisattributes.ButwhataboutHisauthority?

EventodiscusstheauthorityofAlmightyGodseemsabitmeaningless,andtoquestionitwouldbeabsurd.CanweimaginetheLordGodofHostshavingtorequestpermissionofanyoneortoapplyforanythingtoahigherbody?TowhomwouldGodgoforpermission?WhoishigherthantheHighest?WhoismightierthantheAlmighty?WhosepositionantedatesthatoftheEternal?AtwhosethronewouldGodkneel?WhereisthegreateronetowhomHemustappeal?ThussaiththeLordtheKingofIsrael,andhisredeemertheLordofhosts;Iamthefirst,andIamthelast;andbesidemethereisnoGod.

ThesovereigntyofGodisafactwellestablishedintheScripturesanddeclaredaloudbythelogicoftruth.Butadmittedlyitraisescertainproblemswhichhavenottothistimebeensatisfactorilysolved:Thesearemainlytwo.ThefirstisthepresenceinthecreationofthosethingswhichGodcannotapprove,suchasevil,pain,anddeath.IfGodissovereignHecouldhavepreventedtheircomingintoexistence.WhydidHenotdoso?

TheZend-Avesta,sacredbookofZoroastrianism,loftiestofthegreatnon-Biblicalreligions,gotaroundthisdifficultyneatlyenoughbypostulatingatheologicaldualism.ThereweretwoGods,OrmazdandAhriman,andthesebetweenthemcreatedtheworld.ThegoodOrmazdmadeallgoodthingsandtheevilAhrimanmadetherest.Itwasquitesimple.Ormazdhadnosovereigntytoworryabout,andapparentlydidnotmindsharinghisprerogativeswithanother.

FortheChristianthisexplanationwillnotdo,foritflatlycontradictsthetruthtaughtsoemphaticallythroughoutthewholeBible,thatthereisoneGodandthatHealonecreatedtheheavenandtheearthandallthethingsthataretherein.

GodsattributesaresuchastomakeimpossibletheexistenceofanotherGod.TheChristianadmitsthathedoesnothavethefinalanswertotheriddleofpermittedevil.Butheknowswhatthatanswerisnot.AndheknowsthattheZend-Avestadoesnothaveiteither.

Whileacompleteexplanationoftheoriginofsineludesus,thereareafewthingswedoknow.InHissovereignwisdomGodhaspermittedeviltoexistincarefullyrestrictedareasofHiscreation,akindoffugitiveoutlawwhoseactivitiesaretemporaryandlimitedinscope.IndoingthisGodhasactedaccordingtoHisinfinitewisdomandgoodness.Morethanthatnooneknowsatpresent;andmorethanthatnooneneedstoknow.ThenameofGodissufficientguaranteeoftheperfectionofHisworks.

Anotherrealproblemcreatedbythedoctrineofthedivinesovereigntyhastodowiththewillofman.IfGodrulesHisuniversebyHissovereigndecrees,howisitpossibleformantoexercisefreechoice?Andifhecannotexercisefreedomofchoice,howcanhebeheldresponsibleforhisconduct?Ishenotamerepuppetwhoseactionsaredeterminedbyabehind-the-scenesGodwhopullsthestringsasitpleasesHim?

TheattempttoanswerthesequestionshasdividedtheChristianchurchneatlyintotwocampswhichhavebornethenamesoftwodistinguishedtheologians,JacobusArminiusandJohnCalvin.MostChristiansarecontenttogetintoonecamportheotheranddenyeithersovereigntytoGodorfreewilltoman.Itappearspossible,however,toreconcilethesetwopositionswithoutdoingviolencetoeither,althoughtheeffortthatfollowsmayprovedeficienttopartisansofonecamportheother.

Hereismyview:Godsovereignlydecreedthatmanshouldbefreetoexercisemoralchoice,andmanfromthebeginninghasfulfilledthatdecreebymakinghischoicebetweengoodandevil.Whenhechoosestodoevil,hedoesnottherebycountervailthesovereignwillofGodbutfulfillsit,inasmuchastheeternaldecreedecidednotwhichchoicethemanshouldmakebutthatheshouldbefreetomakeit.IfinHisabsolutefreedomGodhaswilledtogivemanlimitedfreedom,whoistheretostayHishandorsay,Whatdoestthou?ManswillisfreebecauseGodissovereign.AGodlessthansovereigncouldnotbestowmoralfreedomuponHiscreatures.Hewouldbeafraidtodoso.

Perhapsahomelyillustrationmighthelpustounderstand.Anoceanlinerleaves

NewYorkboundforLiverpool.Itsdestinationhasbeendeterminedbyproperauthorities.Nothingcanchangeit.Thisisatleastafaintpictureofsovereignty.

Onboardthelinerareseveralscoresofpassengers.Thesearenotinchains,neitheraretheiractivitiesdeterminedforthembydecree.Theyarecompletelyfreetomoveaboutastheywill.Theyeat,sleep,play,loungeaboutonthedeck,read,talk,altogetherastheyplease;butallthewhilethegreatlineriscarryingthemsteadilyonwardtowardapredeterminedport.

Bothfreedomandsovereigntyarepresenthereandtheydonotcontradicteachother.Soitis,Ibelieve,withmansfreedomandthesovereigntyofGod.ThemightylinerofGodssovereigndesignkeepsitssteadycourseovertheseaofhistory.GodmovesundisturbedandunhinderedtowardthefulfilmentofthoseeternalpurposeswhichHepurposedinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan.Wedonotknowallthatisincludedinthosepurposes,butenoughhasbeendisclosedtofurnishuswithabroadoutlineofthingstocomeandtogiveusgoodhopeandfirmassuranceoffuturewell-being.

WeknowthatGodwillfulfileverypromisemadetotheprophets;weknowthatsinnerswillsomedaybecleansedoutoftheearth;weknowthataransomedcompanywillenterintothejoyofGodandthattherighteouswillshineforthinthekingdomoftheirFather;weknowthatGodsperfectionswillyetreceiveuniversalacclamation,thatallcreatedintelligenceswillownJesusChristLordtothegloryofGodtheFather,thatthepresentimperfectorderwillbedoneaway,andanewheavenandanewearthbeestablishedforever.

TowardallthisGodismovingwithinfinitewisdomandperfectprecisionofaction.NoonecandissuadeHimfromHispurposes;nothingturnHimasidefromHisplans.SinceHeisomniscient,therecanbenounforeseencircumstances,noaccidents.AsHeissovereign,therecanbenocountermandedorders,nobreakdowninauthority;andasHeisomninpotent,therecanbenowantofpowertoachieveHischosenends.GodissufficientuntoHimselfforallthesethings.

Inthemeanwhilethingsarenotassmoothasthisquickoutlinemightsuggest.Themysteryofiniquitydothalreadywork.WithinthebroadfieldofGodssovereign,permissivewillthedeadlyconflictofgoodwithevilcontinueswithincreasingfury.GodwillyethaveHiswayinthewhirlwindandthestorm,butthestormandthewhirlwindarehere,andasresponsiblebeingswemustmake

ourchoiceinthepresentmoralsituation.

CertainthingshavebeendecreedbythefreedeterminationofGod,andoneoftheseisthelawofchoiceandconsequences.GodhasdecreedthatallwhowillinglycommitthemselvestoHisSonJesusChristintheobedienceoffaithshallreceiveeternallifeandbecomesonsofGod.Hehasalsodecreedthatallwholovedarknessandcontinueinrebellionagainstthehighauthorityofheavenshallremaininastateofspiritualalienationandsuffereternaldeathatlast.

Reducingthewholemattertoindividualterms,wearriveatsomevitalandhighlypersonalconclusions.InthemoralconflictnowragingarounduswhoeverisonGodssideisonthewinningsideandcannotlose;whoeverisontheothersideisonthelosingsideandcannotwin.Herethereisnochance,nogamble.Thereisfreedomtochoosewhichsideweshallbeonbutnofreedomtonegotiatetheresultsofthechoiceonceitismade.BythemercyofGodwemayrepentawrongchoiceandaltertheconsequencesbymakinganewandrightchoice.Beyondthatwecannotgo.

ThewholematterofmoralchoicecentersaroundJesusChrist.Christstateditplainly:Hethatisnotwithmeisagainstme,andNomancomethuntotheFather,butbyme.Thegospelmessageembodiesthreedistinctelements:anannouncement,acommand,andacall.Itannouncesthegoodnewsofredemptionaccomplishedinmercy;itcommandsallmeneverywheretorepentanditcallsallmentosurrendertothetermsofgracebybelievingonJesusChristasLordandSaviour.

Wemustallchoosewhetherwewillobeythegospelorturnawayinunbeliefandrejectitsauthority.Ourchoiceisourown,buttheconsequencesofthechoicehavealreadybeendeterminedbythesovereignwillofGod,andfromthisthereisnoappeal.

TheLorddescendedfromabove,

Andbowedtheheavensmosthigh,

AndunderneathHisfeetHecast

Thedarknessofthesky.

Oncherubimandseraphim

FullroyallyHerode,

Andonthewingsofmightywinds

Cameflyingallabroad.

Hesatsereneuponthefloods,

Theirfurytorestrain;

AndHe,assovereignLordandKing,

Forevermoreshallreign.

Psalmparaphrase,

byThomasSternhold

Chapter23

TheOpenSecret

Whenviewedfromtheperspectiveofeternity,themostcriticalneedofthishourmaywellbethattheChurchshouldbebroughtbackfromherlongBabyloniancaptivityandthenameofGodbeglorifiedinheragainasofold.YetwemustnotthinkoftheChurchasananonymousbody,amysticalreligiousabstraction.WeChristiansaretheChurchandwhateverwedoiswhattheChurchisdoing.Thematter,therefore,isforeachofusapersonalone.AnyforwardstepintheChurchmustbeginwiththeindividual.

WhatcanweplainChristiansdotobringbackthedepartedglory?Istheresomesecretwemaylearn?Isthereaformulaforpersonalrevivalwecanapplytothepresentsituation,toourownsituation?Theanswertothesequestionsisyes.

Yettheanswermayeasilydisappointsomepersons,foritisanythingbutprofound.Ibringnoesotericcryptogram,nomysticcodetobepainfullydeciphered.Iappealtonohiddenlawoftheunconscious,nooccultknowledgemeantonlyforthefew.Thesecretisanopenonewhichthewayfaringmanmayread.Itissimplytheoldandevernewcounsel:AcquaintthyselfwithGod.ToregainherlostpowertheChurchmustseeheavenopenedandhaveatransformingvisionofGod.

ButtheGodwemustseeisnottheutilitarianGodwhoishavingsucharunofpopularitytoday,whosechiefclaimtomensattentionisHisabilitytobringthemsuccessintheirvariousundertakingsandwhoforthatreasonisbeingcajoledandflatteredbyeveryonewhowantsafavor.TheGodwemustlearntoknowistheMajestyintheheavens,GodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth,theonlywiseGod,ourSaviour.Heitisthatsittethuponthecircleoftheearth,whostretchethouttheheavensasacurtainandspreadeththemoutasatenttodwellin,whobringethoutHisstarryhostbynumberandcalleththemallbynamethroughthegreatnessofHispower,whoseeththeworksofmanasvanity,whoputtethnoconfidenceinprincesandasksnocounselofkings.

KnowledgeofsuchaBeingcannotbegainedbystudyalone.Itcomesbyawisdomthenaturalmanknowsnothingof,neithercanknow,becauseitis

spirituallydiscerned.ToknowGodisatoncetheeasiestandthemostdifficultthingintheworld.Itiseasybecausetheknowledgeisnotwonbyhardmentaltoil,butissomethingfreelygiven.Assunlightfallsfreeontheopenfield,sotheknowledgeoftheholyGodisafreegifttomenwhoareopentoreceiveit.

Butthisknowledgeisdifficultbecausethereareconditionstobemetandtheobstinatenatureoffallenmandoesnottakekindlytothem.

LetmepresentabriefsummaryoftheseconditionsastaughtbytheBibleandrepeatedthroughthecenturiesbytheholiest,sweetestsaintstheworldhaseverknown:

First,wemustforsakeoursins.ThebeliefthataholyGodcannotbeknownbymenofconfirmedevillivesisnotnewtotheChristianreligion.TheHebrewbook,TheWisdomofSolomon,whichantedatesChristianitybymanyyears,hasthefollowingpassage:Loverighteousness,yethatbejudgesoftheearth:thinkoftheLordwithagoodheart,andinsimplicityofheartseekhim.Forhewillbefoundofthemthattempthimnot;andshowethhimselfuntosuchasdonotdistrusthim.ForfrowardthoughtsseparatefromGodandhispower,whenitistried,reproveththeunwise.Foruntoamalicioussoulwisdomshallnotenter;nordwellinthebodythatissubjecttosin.FortheHolySpiritofdisciplinewillfleedeceit,andremovefromthoughtsthatarewithoutunderstanding,andwillnotabidewhenunrighteousnesscomethin.ThissamethoughtisfoundinvarioussayingsthroughouttheinspiredScriptures,thebestknownprobablybeingthewordsofChrist,Blessedarethepureinheart:fortheyshallseeGod.

Second,theremustbeanuttercommittalofthewholelifetoChristinfaith.ThisiswhatitmeanstobelieveinChrist.ItinvolvesavolitionalandemotionalattachmenttoHimaccompaniedbyafirmpurposetoobeyHiminallthings.ThisrequiresthatwekeepHiscommandments,carryourcross,andloveGodandourfellowmen.

Third,theremustbeareckoningofourselvestohavedieduntosinandtobealiveuntoGodinChristJesus,followedbyathrowingopenoftheentirepersonalitytotheinflowoftheHolySpirit.Thenwemustpracticewhateverself-disciplineisrequiredtowalkintheSpirit,andtrampleunderourfeetthelustsoftheflesh.

Fourth,wemustboldlyrepudiatethecheapvaluesofthefallenworldand

becomecompletelydetachedinspiritfromeverythingthatunbelievingmensettheirheartsupon,allowingourselvesonlythesimplestenjoymentsofnaturewhichGodhasbestowedalikeuponthejustandtheunjust.

Fifth,wemustpracticetheartoflongandlovingmeditationuponthemajestyofGod.Thiswilltakesomeeffort,fortheconceptofmajestyhasallbutdisappearedfromthehumanrace.Thefocalpointofmansinterestisnowhimself.Humanisminitsvariousformshasdisplacedtheologyasthekeytotheunderstandingoflife.Whenthenineteenth-centurypoetSwinburnewrote,GlorytoManinthehighest!formanisthemasterofthings,hegavetothemodernworlditsnewTeDeum.Allthismustbereversedbyadeliberateactofthewillandkeptsobyapatienteffortofthemind.

GodisaPersonandcanbeknowninincreasingdegreesofintimateacquaintanceasweprepareourheartsforthewonder.ItmaybenecessaryforustoalterourformerbeliefsaboutGodastheglorythatgildstheSacredScripturesdawnsoverourinteriorlives.Wemayalsoneedtobreakquietlyandgraciouslywiththelifelesstextualismthatprevailsamongthegospelchurches,andtoprotestthefrivolouscharacterofmuchthatpassesforChristianityamongus.Bythiswemayforthetimelosefriendsandgainapassingreputationforbeingholier-than-thou;butnomanwhopermitstheexpectationofunpleasantconsequencestoinfluencehiminamatterlikethisisfitforthekingdomofGod.

Sixth,astheknowledgeofGodbecomesmorewonderful,greaterservicetoourfellowmenwillbecomeforusimperative.Thisblessedknowledgeisnotgiventobeenjoyedselfishly.ThemoreperfectlyweknowGodthemorewewillfeelthedesiretotranslatethenew-foundknowledgeintodeedsofmercytowardsufferinghumanity.TheGodwhogavealltouswillcontinuetogiveallthroughusaswecometoknowHimbetter.

ThusfarwehaveconsideredtheindividualspersonalrelationtoGod,butliketheointmentofamansrighthand,whichbyitsfragrancebetrayethitself,anyintensifiedknowledgeofGodwillsoonbegintoaffectthosearoundusintheChristiancommunity.AndwemustseekpurposefullytoshareourincreasinglightwiththefellowmembersofthehouseholdofGod.

ThiswecanbestdobykeepingthemajestyofGodinfullfocusinallourpublicservices.NotonlyourprivateprayersshouldbefilledwithGod,byourwitnessing,oursinging,ourpreaching,ourwritingshouldcenteraroundthe

Personofourholy,holyLordandextolcontinuallythegreatnessofHisdignityandpower.ThereisaglorifiedManontherighthandoftheMajestyinheavenfaithfullyrepresentingusthere.Weareleftforaseasonamongmen;letusfaithfullyrepresentHimhere.

END

TableofContents

Chapter23TheOpenSecret

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23