04.03. Daily Renewal
Daily Renewal A new birth unto righteousness is essential to salvation. The religion that brings salvation is heart deep;
it is the implanting of a new nature;
it is the bestowal of a new heart;
it is the Holy Spirit restoring the image of God in the soul.
Nicodemus, a master in Israel, comes for instruction to the Great Prophet. He has seen the miracles that Christ has wrought, and is persuaded by them that He is a teacher sent from God. What are the words with which Christ greets His new disciple? On the very threshold He meets him with the solemn truth that without the new birth, to enter the kingdom is impossible. "Truly, truly, I say unto you, except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "Marvel not that I said unto you — you must be born again." He who spoke these words knew both the nature of man, and the holiness that belongs to the eternal kingdom. He has power to declare the terms of admission; in His hand are the keys of Heaven and Hell . This new birth is not merely an external change, or the performance of any outward rite. The water of baptism typifies it, but the grace of the Spirit is not limited to any time or place.
Neither is the new birth always found where education, or the refinements of society, or an amiable disposition have wrought much that is excellent. There may be also a great amendment of life, and yet the Spirit of God may not be dwelling in the heart. These may be but as the polished brass-plate on the outer door — while within the house, the chambers are unswept. They may be as a wreath of roses laid on the coffin, while, as much as ever, death reigns within. In the first Epistle of John we have the chief marks of the new birth explicitly declared: "Every one that does righteousness is born of him." "Whoever is born of God does not commit sin," (that is, he does not practice it, he does not make a trade of it.) "Every one that loves, is born of God." "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God." "Whoever is born of God, overcomes the world."
These passages combined form an inspired commentary on the meaning of our Savior’s words. They show us the character of that change which is wrought by the Spirit in the new birth. The new birth ever brings with it . . .
new views of sin,
new views of the world,
and new views of Christ.
It makes men hate what once they loved — and cleave to that which once they despised. Above all things, it reveals the beauty of the Savior, and leads men to regard Him as their chief joy. A captive woman, we are told, once stood in the presence of her conqueror. Death was to be her portion. Her husband, however, came forward and entreated that he might take her place, and in her stead suffer exile or death. The conqueror was so touched by the tender affection that existed between them, that he gave to both their liberty. "Were you not struck with the grace of deportment and dignity displayed by our conqueror?" was the inquiry made by the husband afterwards. "I had no eyes but for him who was willing to die, or to suffer exile for me," was the reply. The man born of the Spirit will thus regard Christ. He will ever be looking unto Him who died that he might live.
There is another point closely connected with the new birth, and, in its place, of equal importance — the soul, regenerate through the Spirit, needs a constant renewal. In the same garden, within a few yards of each other, there stood three young trees. Very great difference might be noticed between them. One of them was full of life; in every direction fresh shoots and leaves were bursting forth. Another was as evidently dead; for some reason or other when transplanted, it died — either the roots were injured or the new soil was unsuited to its growth. The third tree was unlike either of the other two — it was still alive, but it looked very unpromising; it put forth no fresh branches; it seemed as if, before long, it would wither away. As with these trees, so is it in the Church of Christ. Some Christians are full of life and zeal, of faith and good works. Some, who once professed at least to be such, fulfill the solemn description given by Jude — they are "trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots." There are others, however, who are like the third tree — it is hard to tell what their condition really is.
They have passed, it may be hoped, over the threshold of the strait gate;
they have known something of the new life;
conscience has been awakened;
Christ has been seen to be an all-sufficient Savior;
they have joined themselves to His people
— yet, there they stop. They are not happy, growing Christians; they lack warmth, and zeal, and activity in the service of Christ.
What has been the cause? In some cases it may be that there is a lack of thorough dedication — or some evil thing has been cherished. Doubtless in others, it is because the Christian has been depending upon grace already given, instead of asking for fresh supplies. The third chapter of John pointing out the need of regeneration, has been thought of — but the fifteenth chapter, showing the need of abiding in Christ, has been forgotten. The analogy of things around us suggests to us the absolute necessity of renewal in grace. The fire on the hearth requires a constant supply of fresh fuel. The most fertile plot of ground will soon become barren and worthless, unless it be turned over year after year, and supplied with its appropriate nourishment. It is the same with our frail bodies. Would we continue in health, would we have strength for the performance of duties that devolve upon us, we must have the requisite food, exercise, and rest. The spiritual life within no less requires to be renewed continually. The fire of zeal will go out, if fresh oil be not poured in. The heart will no longer produce the fruits of righteousness — unless the heavenly gardener "digs about it and fertilizes it." The soul will grow feeble in grace and in duty, it can no longer prosper and be in health, unless it be invigorated by active efforts, strengthened with the bread of life, and refreshed by calm rest in the Savior’s love. The wear and tear of every day life are apt to blunt and deaden spiritual feelings. As we have often seen the inscription on a flat stone in the aisle of a church, which has been almost obliterated by the treading of many feet, and requires the chisel of the workman to deepen its letters — so heavenly thoughts and heavenly desires fade away through friendship with the world, and we need the Spirit afresh to stamp them on the heart.
Natural corruption also still cleaves to us. On account of this we are ever prone to go back to that which we have forsaken. As the weights of a clock are no sooner wound up than again they begin to descend, so has the Christian often found it with himself. He has no sooner been drawn a little nearer to God, than the evil that dwells in him has again begun to work.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love. The Tempter also never ceases to hinder us. It is his daily business to keep men from fleeing to Christ at first, or if he cannot effect this, to make a separation between them afterwards.
What can avail to counteract these various impediments, unless we are evermore renewed by the Holy Spirit? The Scripture reveals this as the great means of steadfastness and progress in the Divine life. "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." "Be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind," "Though our outward man perish — yet the inward man is renewed day by day," To obtain this renewal we must diligently make use of all appointed means. They have been instituted for the very purpose of quickening and refreshing the souls of Christ’s people. They are the green pastures where the flock are fed. They are the wells of salvation from which, with joy, we may draw forth living water.
What Christian is there but has found his faith strengthened through joining in public worship, and in hearing the message of glad tidings from the lips of some faithful ambassador of the cross? What close fellowship with Christ has been enjoyed when partaking in faith, of the symbols of His death! What a change has been often wrought in the feelings of the believer by a few moments spent near the mercy-seat!
Especially must we daily wait upon God for fresh anointings of the Holy Spirit. Unprofitable disputes have arisen, whether it is right and good for Christian people to pray for the filling of the Spirit. Surely of all things, it is most necessary. Though in measure the Holy Spirit dwells within the heart of each member of the family of God — yet have we not often grieved Him to withhold for a time His quickening power? Is not the soul often tied and bound by the chain of some besetting sin, or of some earth-born affection? Is there not a depth of joy in God, and of love to the Savior, which we have scarcely conceived and still less attained? What can meet our case, unless it be the Divine Spirit descending upon us in fresh might? Blessed be God, there is an all-sufficiency in the power and grace of the Spirit that can fully meet our need, and which needs only to be earnestly and perseveringly sought for. On the coast of Yorkshire there stands a lighthouse, and, from its lofty position, ships at great distances are guided by its light. In a room below is kept the supply of oil, by which the lamps are replenished. The visitor is struck as he enters, by the huge casks standing round. They are of various dimensions; 50 gallons, 80 gallons, 100 gallons, 120 gallons, are marked upon them. For so important a purpose, a most abundant supply is always at hand.
It is of infinite importance to the Church of Christ, that the light of each believer should burn very brightly. An excellent illustration has been given of this. A visitor put a question to the keeper of the lighthouse at Calais: "What would happen if your light were ever to grow dim, or to go out?" "My light grow dim! my light go out! No, never!" indignantly exclaimed the man, "why, if it were, a letter might come a year hence from India, or some other distant country, saying that at such an hour on such a night, all the ships in the harbor were in danger through my neglect. I feel as if the eye of the world were fixed on my light. My light grow dim, or go out — no, never!"
If such would be the danger of the Calais light growing dim, or going out, who can tell the danger to souls, when the light of the Christian becomes faint or uncertain? Young beginners are discouraged. The world rejoices, and Satan triumphs. It need not be so. Our light may shine clearly and steadily. Its brightness depends entirely on the supply of the pure oil — the unction of the Holy Spirit. This supply is unlimited. Abundance is always at hand. The room already mentioned, with vast quantities of oil in store, is but a faint picture of the sufficiency of grace, through the Spirit, provided for us. Only let us long for it. Only let us not lose the blessing, though failing to bring our empty vessels. The more we desire, the more we ask, the more shall we obtain.
"O God, grant that I may burn this day with pure oil!" was the prayer of a child, after hearing a simple explanation of the golden candlestick placed in the temple, and of the oil with which it was supplied. It is a desire that may well arise in our hearts. Side by side with it we may pray: "Grant that we being regenerate, and made Your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Your Holy Spirit." Those who earnestly seek for it, will assuredly, day by day, be renewed by an unction from the Holy One.
Daily renew, through the Spirit’s aid — your repentance for sin, and your trust in the blood of atonement. A broken, contrite heart is a companion we should never wish to part from. To confess our sins with shame and sorrow of heart is not legal bondage, but it is a preparation for the truest joy. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This is true from the beginning to the close of our pilgrimage. Never until our last day ought we to put out of sight the dishonor we have cast upon God by the sins of bygone years, or forget to acknowledge our daily shortcomings. If we are kept from open acts of disobedience — yet how much unbelief, how much indolence, how much selfishness, how much turning away, is there which ought to bring us low? Not a day passes but we need to make our own the resolution of the younger son in the parable, "I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son." But we must not stop here. We must acknowledge our failings and iniquities — and then bring them all afresh to the blood of the cross. Daily sins need daily mercy. The foot-prints made each day on the sea-shore, are washed away by each returning tide; so when sin is confessed and brought to Jesus, the overflowing mercy of our God, like the full tide, is ever near to remove it every whit. A constant application of the blood of Christ, ever again and again cleansing the conscience, has a most blessed effect. It quickens every power of the soul. It brings with it new energy and life. An African convert was standing by a water-mill. He gave, in a few words, the result of his own experience. "I see here," said he, "something which gladdens my soul. When the water passes over the great wheel, then at once all the rest are set in motion; but when the water ceases to flow, the whole machinery at once is stopped. So it is with me: when the blood of Christ touches my heart, everything within me is alive in the service of God; but when I cannot experience this, everything is dead." The subject of renewal in grace may strengthen the hands of those who are ready to faint by the way. Does your repentance seem to you so slight, your faith so feeble, your love and zeal as yet so different from that you desire, that you fear lest you never should hold out to the end, and overcome the dangers you must encounter? "If so many who seemed once far more advanced than myself, have yet fallen back, how is it possible," you ask, "that I can abide steadfast?" Be not cast down. Take firm hold of this blessed truth. What could be more discouraging to all appearance, than the prospect that once lay before the widow of Zarephath? A famine was in the land — a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse — this was all that she possessed — and yet that scanty provision sufficed. In the providence of God, it was renewed from day to day, and thus held out until rain was sent. In like manner, you may have but little grace — yet believe in God, and wait upon Him continually. Remember it is written, "He gives more grace." He gives more faith — more contrition — more love — more zeal. Live upon the fullness which is in Christ. If you have little in yourself — you are not straitened in Him. Cleave to Jesus perpetually, and He will complete that which He has begun. This subject also suggests a note of warning. There are stagnant Christians in the Church — professors who build their hope on bygone experience, while now there is little sign of any reality in their religion. There is no painful sense of deficiency — no daily washing in the open fountain — no increase of faith or love — no longing for more holiness — and yet, because of apparent marks of conversion in former days, they trust that all is well with them.
It is said of a great man among the Puritans, that before his death, he asked one of his chaplains whether those who had once been the children of God were always such. Upon receiving a reply in the affirmative, he expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with respect to his safety, since he was persuaded that once he knew the Lord. Though most firmly we may believe in the final salvation of the elect people of God — yet surely we must feel a foundation of hope like this is a very dangerous one. It places past experience, which after all is very apt to deceive us — in place of present faith and present grace. When there is no renewing — it is too often because there is no life! Imagine not that there must necessarily be spiritual life, because there is much that bears the appearance of it.
Art has fashioned figures which greatly resemble living men and women. At a short distance you would say they were certainly alive. They stand or sit: they move the head, the hand, the foot: they are clad with rich and elegant attire: one is arrayed as a king — another as a queen. Yet for all this, it is only an imitation. Come close to them, and you perceive that they have no breath, no feeling, no life.
Numbers of such-like professors of religion are to be found everywhere. See them in the sanctuary — see them in religious meetings — see them in conversation with a minister of Christ, and you would say, "Surely these men are Christians indeed." But come nearer. Examine them more closely. Watch them in their every day walk. Discover the character of their secret converse with God. Find out the ruling principle of their life — and the truth cannot be hidden. Like the Church of Sardis, they have a name to live — while they are dead. "They profess and call themselves Christians," but that is all. They have never possessed true spiritual life. They have never been quickened by the operation of the Holy Spirit.
Let any who read these pages stay for a moment to put the question, "Lord, is it I?" It can do no harm, and it may do much good, to press this inquiry home upon your own conscience. If you are a sincere, genuine follower of Christ, your confidence will stand upon a surer basis after you have carefully examined it. If you be otherwise — if there has hitherto been the form of godliness without the power, it may be a first step to your salvation. Bring the matter before the throne of grace. Be willing, nay, truly anxious to know your own heart — to know the worst of your spiritual condition. Study Psalms 139:1-24. Offer the petition of Psalms 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
If you do this, whatever you may be, there is no reason for despair. Christ can save to the uttermost! Even those who have hitherto deceived themselves or others, may yet rejoice in hope of everlasting life. "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."