Oil In The Vessel # 3

 Oil In The Vessel # 3

Some of our readers may be total strangers to all such distressing experiences, and wonder why any real Christian should call into question the exact character of his or her illumination, troubling themselves not at all whether their enlightenment is natural or supernatural. Poor souls, it is greatly to be feared that a crude awakening is awaiting them from their satan-induced sleep. But what shall we say to those who are awake and deeply concerned about their eternal interests? How are such to determine the matter? We answer, test the point.

Was thee not a time when you "saw no beauty in Christ that you should desire Him?" Is it so with you now? Or has He become in your eyes, the "altogether lovely" One? You may be afraid to call Him yours, yet if your heart truly yearns for Him, then you must have been spiritually enlightened, the "oil" is in your vessel!

Second, oil softens. Oil was much used by the ancients for medicinal purposes, and we moderns might well take a leaf out of their books. It will melt caked wax in the ear; it will make tender a calloused bunion. It is very useful for tumors - repeated applications softening, then causing to burst, and then healing. Thus it is in the operation of the Holy Spirit. He finds the elect hard and obdurate by nature, and swollen with pride and self-conceit; but Divine grace softens them, melting their flinty hearts, bursting the tumors of self-righteousness, and imparting a contrite spirit. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you - and I will give you an heart of flesh" (Exe. 36:26).

When Divine grace has been imparted - the heart is supernaturally softened. But right here the sincere soul experiences still greater difficulty, and is ready to exclaim emphatically, "Then I must still be in an unregenerate state, for my heart is as hard as the neither millstone!" Wait a moment, dear friend, and test the matter. What are the marks of a "hard heart" as given in Scripture? Are they not a total absence of a feeling sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, an utter unconcern whether God be pleased or displeased with my conduct, no mourning in secret when Christ has been dishonored by me? Is that true of you, who are so ready to conclude that you are still in a state of nature? If it is not, if sin is your burden and your soul grieves over your lack of conformity to Christ, then your heart must have been spiritually softened - the "oil" is in your vessel!

Third, oil heals. Hence we find the great Physician, under the figure of the good Samaritan, having compassion on the assaulted traveler, binding up his wounds and "pouring oil and wine" (Luke 10:34); and He is still caring thus for His people through the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit. How often the blessed Comforter applies "the balm of Gilead" to the sin afflicted people of God. What horrible bruises and putrefying sores - do sin and satan inflict upon the souls of the saints - yet how frequently and tenderly does the Spirit mollify and relieve them. First, He works repentance in the heart, which is a purging grace, carrying away the foul and poisonous love of sin. Then He strengthens hope, which is a comforting grace so that the joy of the Lord once more becomes his strength. Divine grace removes the load of guilt from the conscience, applies the cordial of the promises, and gives the weary pilgrim a lift by the way - "Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him" (Luke 10:34).

Here, then, is another property and effect of Divine grace - it heals the soul. We can well imagine some fearful reader exclaiming, Alas, that cuts off my hope, for there is no soundness in me! Listen, dear friend, no Christian is completely and perfectly healed from the disease of sin in this life - but he is delivered from the most fearful and fatal effects of it; and it is at this point you are to examine yourself. What are the worst things which the Fall has produced in man? Test yourself by these things. Do you still hate God? If so, would you repine because you love Him so feebly? Are you still in love with sin? If so, why do you grieve over its workings! Is self now your idol? If so, why do you, at times, loath yourself! Sin has not been eradicated - but its wounds are being healed - the "oil" is in your vessel.

Oil makes the joints flexible and nimble; so grace enables the Christian to serve in newness of spirit (Romans 7:6).

Oil sweetens our persons, so that we are unto God a "sweet savor of Christ, whereas the wicked are a "smoke in His nostrils" (Isaiah 65:5).

Oil gladdens. Oil quiets troubled waters, so grace often subdues the turbulent workings of sin.

It is not the absense of sin, nor the decreasing of its power within, which evidences regeneration - but the presence of a contrary and holy principle, which is known by its spiritual longings and efforts!

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)