The Immutability Of God # 1

 The Immutability Of God # 1

Immutability is one of the divine perfections which is not sufficiently pondered. It is one of the excellencies of the Creator which distinguishes Him from all His creatures. God is perpetually the same: subject to no change in His being, attributes, or determinations. Therefore God is compared to a "Rock" (Deut. 32:4) which remains immovable, when the entire ocean surrounding it is continually in a fluctuating state; even so, though all creatures are subject to change, God is immutable. Because God has no beginning and no ending, He can know no change. He is everlastingly "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17).

First, God is immutable in His essence. His nature and being are infinite, and so He is subject to no mutations. There never was a time when He was not; there never will come a time when He shall cease to be. God has neither evolved, grown, no improved. All that He is today, He has ever been, and ever will be. "I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) is His own unqualified affirmation. He cannot change for the better, for He is already perfect; and being perfect, He cannot change for the worse. Altogether unaffected by anything outside Himself, improvement or deterioration is impossible. He is perpetually the same. He only can say, "I AM THAT I AM!" (Exodus 3:14). He is altogether uninfluenced by the flight of time. There is no wrinkle upon the brow of eternity. Therefore His power can never diminish nor His glory ever fade!

Secondly, God is immutable in His attributes. Whatever the attributes of God were before the universe was called into existence, they ae precisely the same now, and will remain so forever. Necessarily so, for they are the very perfections, the essential qualities of His being. Semper diem (always the same) is written across everyone of them.

His power is unabated, His wisdom is undiminished, and His holiness is unsullied.

The attributes of God can no more change than Deity can cease to be.

His veracity is immutable, for His Word is "forever settled in Heaven" (Psalm 119:89).

His love is eternal: "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3) and "Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end" (John 13:1).

His mercy never ceases not, for it is everlasting" (Psalm 100:5).

Thirdly, God is immutable in His counsel. His will never varies. Perhaps some are ready to object that we ought to read the following: "And it repented the Lord that He had made man" (Genesis 6:6). Our first reply is, Then do the Scriptures contradict themselves? NO, that cannot be! Numbers 23:19 is plain enough: "God is not a man, that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent."

So also in 1 Samuel 15:29, "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for He is not a man, that He should repent."

The explanation is very simple. When speaking of Himself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limited capacities. He describes Himself as clothed with bodily members, as eyes, ears, hands, etc. He speaks of Himself as "waking", as "rising up early"; yet He neither slumbers nor sleeps. When He institutes a change in His dealings with men, He describes His course of conduct as "repenting."

Yes, God is immutable in His counsel. "The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). It must be so, for "He is of one mind, and who can turn Him? What His soul desires, even that He does" (Job 23:13).

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

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)

Oil In The Vessel # 2

 Oil In The Vessel # 2

This parable of the "virgins" is indeed a searching and solemn one. It has deeply exercised many a sincere soul. It has caused not a few genuine saints to wonder it, after all, the root of the matter were in them. It has given real point to that exhortation "Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). On the other hand, vast numbers of professing Christians are quite unmoved by its pointed message, complacently assuming that they are numbered among the "wise" virgins, and taking no trouble to seek proof that the oil is in their vessels. Strangest of all, perhaps, some of the Lord's own people scarcely know how to set about the task of ascertaining their state, and are so suspicious of themselves, that they readily conclude that their vessels are devoid of the vital oil.

The key passage for the significance of this Scriptural figure is, "Your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows" (Psalm 45:7), where the reference is to the Mediator, for God "gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him" (John 3:34); in consequence thereof, He is "fairer than the children of men - grace is poured into Your lips" (Psalm 45:2). The holy "oil" was first poured upon the antitypical Aaron, and then it runs down to all the "skirts of His garments" (Psalm 133:2), that is, to the lowest and feeblest Christians. Just as the little finger or toe is animated by the same life and vitality as actuates the head and heart of a person - so very Christian is vitalized by the same Spirit as was given to Christ, the Head. As the Spirit sanctified the human nature of Christ by fitting and enriching it will all grace, so His grace is communicated to all His members.

The "oil" then, in the vessels of the wise virgins - refers to the life of the Spirit in the soul of a Christian. It is the presence of Divine grace in the heart - in contrast from knowledge in the head, or correctness of outward deportment; which distinguishes the actual possessor from the empty professor. How important then is it that we spare no efforts to ascertain whether or not that Divine grace resides in us! Yet at this very point Christians encounter a real difficulty - as they honestly and diligently look within, they perceive such a sea of corruption, ever casting up mire and dirt, they are greatly distressed, and ready to conclude that Divine grace surely cannot be present in such evil hearts as theirs. But this is a serious mistake; as genuine oil is distinguishable from counterfeits by its properties, so grace in the soul may be known by its characteristics and effects.

But the exercised soul should begin his search for indwelling grace with it definitely settled in his mind, that, in every heart where grace resides there is also an ocean of sin; and just as oil and water will not mix - but continue to preserve their distinct properties even when placed together in the same vessel, so the flesh and spirit will not combine in the Christian - but remain in opposition to each other unto the end. Admitting, then, a sea of depravity within, my object is to find out if there is any "oil" at all which the surgings of sin are unable to destroy.l When I see smoke, I must infer fire (however flickering), and if I can discern in my heart any Spiritual grace (however feeble) I must infer the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Be not unduly discouraged, then, dear Christian friend, because you discover so much filthy water in your "vessels" (the writer does the same) - but rather confine your attention unto searching for the "oil" within you, and remember that the presence of the same is to be determined by its properties and effects. Let us name a few of these:

First, oil illumines, therefore are the blinded Laodiceans bidden to go to Christ for eye-slave (anointing oil) that they may see (Revelation 3:18). Now where Divine grace has been bestowed, that soul is enlightened. True, says a serious reader - but the point which exercises me so much is - "Is my enlightenment a spiritual and supernatural one, or merely a natural and intellectual one, acquired by the mind being instructed through sitting under sound teaching?" Those mentioned in Hebrews 6:4 were "once enlightened," yet no saving work of grace had been wrought in them!

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 3)

Oil In The Vessel # 1

 Oil In The Vessel # 1

Recently a brother in the Lord wrote calling our attention to the comparisons and contrasts between the wise and foolish virgins of Matthew 25. The substance of his remarks was as follows.

They have seven things in common.

First, all the virgins were in "the kingdom of heaven" - by which we understand, the sphere of Christian profession.

Second, they were all of them "virgins" - not five virgins and five harlots - by which we understand, they all claimed to belong unto Christ.

Third, they all "went forth to meet the Bridegroom" - they were one in purpose, having a single end in view.

Fourth, they all had "lamps," the same sort of lamps.

Fifth, they all "slumbered and slept."

Sixth, they all heard the cry "Behold, the Bridegroom comes."

Seventh, they all "arose and trimmed their lamps."

There are six points of difference between them.

First, five of them were "wise" and five of them were "foolish."

Second, the wise "took oil in their vessels with their lamps" - but the foolish ones did not do so.

Third, at the crucial moment the foolish virgins had to acknowledge "our lamps are (slowly but surely) gone out."

Fourth, the foolish virgins "went to buy" oil, the wise ones had no need to do so.

Fifth, the wise were shut in with the Bridegroom - but the foolish were shut out.

Sixth, the foolish virgins were disowned by the Lord.

Commenting upon the above our friend pointed out that, "There is a certain class today who differe not from the children of God as to their testimony - its purity, its orthodoxy, its sincerity. There are not Spiritists, Russellites, or the daughters of Mother of Harlots - but "virgins." Doctrinally they are pure. They are pictured as going forth to meet the, not one to desert and another to thee secret chambers (Matthew 24:26), seeking a false Christ. The Object of their service was the same Person which the wise virgins were occupied with.

The vital point in their "foolishness" was not that they slumbered and slept but that they had no oil in their vessels. Their was oil in their lamps - their testimony or doctrine - but none in their vessels or souls.

The above has deeply impressed the editor once more with the great importance of making sure individually whether there be oil in my vessel - the "vessel" is the soul, the "oil" is Divine grace in it. Whatever may be the precise signification of behold the Bridegroom comes - whether it refers to the hour of death, the premillennial return of Christ, or the Day of Judgment - one thing is clear - it points to thecrucial testing time.

As our friend further points out - Balaam had oil in his lamp, as also had Judas when Christ sent him forth with the other Apostles to preach (Matthew 10:5-7) - yet their hearts were destitute of the saving grace of God! What a terrible discovery for the foolish virgins to make, "our lamps are gone out" - a discovery made too late to do them any good!

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

Contentment # 2

 Contentment # 2

"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Negatively, it delivers from worry and fretfulness, from avarice and selfishness. Positively, it leaves us free to enjoy what God has given us. What a contrast is found in the word which follows, "But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many pains" (1 Timothy 6:9, 10). May the Lord in His grace deliver us from the spirit of this world, and make us to be "content" with such things as we have."

Contentment, then, is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the soul's enjoyment of that peace which passes all understanding. It is the outcome of my will being brought into subjection to the Divine will. It is the blessed assurance that God does all things well, and is, even now, making all things work together for my ultimate good. This experience has to be "learned" by proving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). 

Contentment is possible only as we cultivate and maintain that attitude of accepting everything which enters our lives, as coming from the hand of Him who is too wise to err, and too loving to cause one of His children a needless tear.

Let our final word be this: real contentment is only possible by being much in the presence of the Lord Jesus. This comes out clearly in the verses which follow our opening text: "I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:12, 13). It is only by cultivating intimacy with that One who was never discontent, that we shall be delivered from the sin of complaining. It is only by daily fellowship with Him who ever delighted in the Father's will, that we shall learn the secret of contentment. May both writer and reader so behold in the mirror of the Word, the glory of the Lord Jesus, that we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18).

~A. W. Pink~

Submission

 Submission

Will any, or will I, pretend to teach the Most High knowledge, seeing He is excellent in all His workings, and perfect in all His ways? Then, since I cannot direct Him, why am I not submissive to His disposal? Can I predict events, or foresee futurities? No! How then can I promise myself serenity from a cloudless sky? or fear storms from an obscured heaven? when, as to the first, the gathering meteors may suspend an unexpected shadow before the sun; or, as to the second, the gathered clouds may scatter, and let the welcome beams refresh the weary world. So, Lord, as from present appearances, future contingencies cannot be discerned - it is my duty, and shall be my study, to be WHOLLY, FULLY, and FOREVER, at Your disposal, to whom all Your works, all my purposes, and all my wanderings, are known from the beginning!

O! how the Christian should glory in God's choosing for him the lot of his inheritance, and be content with that condition which Heaven accounts best for him, though not the grandest or greatest; nor the richest or happiest; nor that state he most desires, I am not my own - for I am bought with a price, and dearly paid for too! Would it not be too daring for me to instruct God how to decorate the heavens, how to set the sun, station the moon, place poles, plant the stars, and guide the wandering planets? Now, I am as much his by right (yes, in the ties of love,) and as much at His disposal, as any of these His other creatures; and if I cannot complain of His conduct with these, why quarrel at His providence toward me?

Another thing which ought to encourage to submission, is, that God's way is not only equitable in itself, but profitable for His people, for the latter end of the righteous is peace;

~James Meikle~

Contentment

Contentment

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11).

Disappointment! Was there ever a time when there was so much discontent and restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure - discontent is everywhere! No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is disatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.

Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth, or is it restricted to the inhabitants of heaven? If feasible here and now, may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life? Such questions as these find answer, an answer at least, in the words of the apostle Paul: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

The force of the apostle's statement will be better appreciated if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it, are kept in mind. When the apostle wrote the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor's palace, nor was he being entertained in some exceptional Christian household, the members of which were marked by unusual piety. Instead, he was "in chains"; "a prisoner", as he says in another Epistle. And yet, notwithstanding, he declared he was content!

Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of the apostle Paul contentment was an actual experience, and one that must have been continuous, for he says, "in whatever state I am." How then did Paul enter into this experience, and of what did the experience consist? The reply to the first question is to be found in the word, "I have learned...to be content." The apostle did not say, "I have received the baptism of the Spirit, and therefore contentment is mine." Nor did he attribute this blessing to his perfect "consecration." Equally plain is it that it was not the outcome of natural disposition or temperament. It is something he had learned, in the school of Christian experience. It should be noted, too, that this statement is found in an Epistle which the apostle wrote near the close of his earthly career!

From what has been pointed out it should be apparent that the contentment which Paul enjoyed was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. And this at once dissipates a vulgar conception. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible unless one can have gratified the desires of the carnal heart. A prison is the last place to which they would go if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear: contentment comes from within not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.

But let us endeavor to go a little deeper. What is contentment? It is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion - the clay saying to the Potter, "Why have you made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him. Such an one is "content" with such as he has. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).

One of the fatal hindrances to contentment is covetousness, which is a canker eating into and destroying present satisfaction. It was not, therefore, without good reason, that our Lord gave the solemn commandment to His followers - "Take heed, and beware of covetousness." (Luke 12:15). Few things are more insidious. Often it poses under the fair name of "thrift," or the wise safeguarding of the future - present economy so as to lay up for a "rainy day." The Scripture says, "covetousness is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5) - the affections of the heart being set upon material things rather than upon God. The language of a covetous heart is that of the horseleech's daughter, "Give, Give!" The covetous man is always desirous of more, whether he has little or much. How vastly different the words of the apostle - "If we have food and clothing we will be content with these" (1  Timothy 6:8). 

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)