[b]God's sin-purging medicine[/b](Arthur Pink, "A Fourfold Salvation" 1938)"God chastens us for our good--that we may share in His holiness." Hebrews 12:10Chastening is God's sin-purging medicine, sent . . . to wither our fleshly aspirations, to detach our hearts from carnal objects, to deliver us from our idols, and to wean us more thoroughly from the world.God has bidden us, "put to death whatever in you is worldly: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed." (Col. 3:5) If we refuse to comply with this unpleasant task, then we may expect God Himself to use the pruning knife upon us! "My son, do not take the Lord's chastening lightly, or faint when you are reproved by Him." (Heb. 12:5) This is a beneficial warning. So far from despising the Lord's chastening, we should be grateful for it--that God cares so much and takes such trouble with us, and that His bitter medicine produces such healthful effects. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
to wither our fleshly aspirations,to detach our hearts from carnal objects, to deliver us from our idols, andto wean us more thoroughly from the world.
This was very needful. Thanks for these dear words. It is wonderful that God chastens us so that we will be a partaker of his holiness it is also comforting to know he does this to cut us off from the world and its dark system.
_________________Demetrius
God Consuming FireWe think we are clean till fire is applied. It magnifies all that hasnt died.It burns away sin throughout our test; its His require before His best.Were used to His patience, His love and His grace, but in the fire He hides His face.Instead of mercy, seems mean and cruel; weve now come under a different rule.His sights are set on what is best, good no longer His aim;He stokes and pokes and throws on the coal, and increases both heat and flame.Once the fire has burned away all that had not died,a flood of grace is ushered in as He shows up at our side.The fire still continues to burn but not to cleanse our sin;where once it was there to burn away, now it burns Him in.MJ
_________________Mike Jones
