A Golden Christian
A true Christian will retain and demonstrate holiness in all circumstances, regardless of the times or company.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true Christian remains holy regardless of their surroundings or the company they keep. He illustrates that just as gold retains its purity in any condition, a holy Christian maintains their sanctity in all aspects of life--whether among unholy friends, at work, or during leisure. The essence of true holiness is unchanging and reflects the divine nature, leading the believer to prioritize and practice holiness even in challenging times. Brooks encourages Christians to embody this steadfastness in their faith, demonstrating that true holiness is a constant, unwavering trait.
Text
A true Christian will be holy among the unholy. He will
retain and keep his holiness, let the times be ever so unholy.
If you take him among unholy friends--you shall find him holy.
If you take him at his table--you shall find him holy.
If you take him in his shop--you shall find him holy.
If you take him in his family--you shall find him holy.
If you take him in his closet--you shall find him holy.
If you take him in his journeyings--you shall find him holy.
If you take him in his recreations--you shall find him holy.
A holy Christian is like gold. Cast gold into the fire, or
into the water; cast it upon the ash-heap, or into the
pleasant garden; cast it among the poor or among the
rich, among the religious or among the licentious--yet
still it is gold, still it retains its purity and excellency.
Just so, cast a holy Christian--a golden Christian--
into whatever condition you will, and into what company
you will--and still he will retain his purity, his sanctity!
Yes, the worse the times are, the more a holy man
studies holiness, and prefers holiness, and prizes
holiness, and practices holiness.
The godly man is four square. Cast him where you will,
like a dice, he always falls sure and square. Just so, cast
a holy man where you will, and into what company you
will--yet still he falls sure and square for holiness. True
holiness is a part of the divine nature; it is of such a
heavenly complexion, that it will never alter.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Nature of a True Christian
- A. Retains holiness in all circumstances
- B. Demonstrates holiness in all aspects of life
- II. The Purity of a Holy Christian
- A. Like gold, retains purity and excellency
- B. Unaffected by external conditions
- III. The Importance of Holiness
- A. A divine nature that will not alter
- B. A heavenly complexion that remains constant
Key Quotes
“A holy Christian is like gold. Cast gold into the fire, or into the water; cast it upon the ash-heap, or into the pleasant garden; cast it among the poor or among the rich, among the religious or among the licentious--yet still it is gold, still it retains its purity and excellency.” — Thomas Brooks
“The godly man is four square. Cast him where you will, like a dice, he always falls sure and square.” — Thomas Brooks
“Yes, the worse the times are, the more a holy man studies holiness, and prefers holiness, and prizes holiness, and practices holiness.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to study, prefer, prize, and practice holiness in your daily life.
- Recognize that true holiness is a part of the divine nature and will not alter, even in difficult circumstances.
- Behave consistently, demonstrating holiness in all aspects of life, regardless of the company or circumstances.